Shopping Facility Assistance System and Method to Retrieve In-Store Abandoned Mobile Item Containers

ABSTRACT

A central computer system identifies a mobile item container in a retail shopping facility as being abandoned. The central computer system then directs a motorized transport unit through the retail shopping facility to the abandoned mobile item container and causes that motorized transport unit to physically attach to the abandoned mobile item container. The central computer system then directs that motorized transport unit through the retail shopping facility with the attached abandoned mobile item container to a specified destination within the retail shopping facility. Abandonment can be determined as a function, at least in part, of determining that the mobile item container is both stationary and unattended for at least a predetermined amount of time. By one approach the central computer system can use different predetermined amounts of time when assessing abandonment depending upon where in the retail shopping facility the mobile item containers are located.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/061,203, filed Mar. 4, 2016, Docket 8842-135956-US (764US02), whichclaims the benefit of each of the following U.S. Provisionalapplications: U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/129,726, filed Mar. 6,2015, Docket 8842-134158-US (587US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.62/129,727, filed Mar. 6, 2015, Docket 8842-134268-US (615US01); U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/138,877, filed Mar. 26, 2015, Docket8842-134162-US (610US01); U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/138,885,filed Mar. 26, 2015, Docket 8842-134209-US (635US01); U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/152,421, filed Apr. 24, 2015, Docket 8842-134155-US(608US01); U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/152,465, filed Apr. 24,2015, Docket 8842-134161-US (603US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.62/152,440, filed Apr. 24, 2015, Docket 8842-134208-US (611US01); U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/152,630, filed Apr. 24, 2015, Docket8842-134249-US (612US01); U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/152,711,filed Apr. 24, 2015, Docket 8842-134269-US (626US01); U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/152,610, filed Apr. 24, 2015, Docket 8842-134574-US(623US01); U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/152,667, filed Apr. 24,2015, Docket 8842-134575-US (663US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.62/157,388, filed May 5, 2015, Docket 8842-134573-US (606US01); U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/165,579, filed May 22, 2015, Docket8842-134576-US (677US01); U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/165,416,filed May 22, 2015, Docket 8842-134589-US (624US01); U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/165,586, filed May 22, 2015, Docket 8842-134945-US(732US01); U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/171,822, filed Jun. 5,2015, Docket 8842-134250-US (621US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.62/175,182, filed Jun. 12, 2015, Docket 8842-135963-US (726US01); U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/182,339, filed Jun. 19, 2015, Docket8842-135961-US (749US01); U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/185,478,filed Jun. 26, 2015, Docket 8842-136023-US (742US01); U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/194,131, filed Jul. 17, 2015, Docket 8842-135962-US(739US01); U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/194,119, filed Jul. 17,2015, Docket 8842-136020-US (728US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.62/194,121, filed Jul. 17, 2015, Docket 8842-136022-US (740US01); U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/194,127, filed Jul. 17, 2015, Docket8842-136024-US (743US01); U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/202,744,filed Aug. 7, 2015, Docket 8842-135956-US (764US01); U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/202,747, filed Aug. 7, 2015, Docket 8842-136021-US(734US01); U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/205,548, filed Aug. 14,2015, Docket 8842-135959-US (751US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.62/205,569, filed Aug. 14, 2015, Docket 8842-136123-US (680US01); U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/205,555, filed Aug. 14, 2015, Docket8842-136124-US (741US01); U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/205,539,filed Aug. 14, 2015, Docket 8842-136651-US (919US01); U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/207,858, filed Aug. 20, 2015, Docket 8842-136508-US(854US01); U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/214,826, filed Sep. 4,2015, Docket 8842-136026-US (746US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.62/214,824, filed Sep. 4, 2015, Docket 8842-136025-US (744US01); U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/292,084, filed Feb. 5, 2016, Docket8842-137833-US (925US01); U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/302,547,filed Mar. 2, 2016, Docket 8842-136125-US (748US01); U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/302,567, filed Mar. 2, 2016, Docket 8842-138040-US(731US01); U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/302,713, filed Mar. 2,2016, Docket 8842-137834-US (932US01); and U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 62/303,021, filed Mar. 3, 2016, Docket 8842-137831-US (636US01), allof these applications being incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

These teachings relate generally to shopping environments and moreparticularly to devices, systems and methods for assisting customersand/or workers in those shopping environments.

BACKGROUND

In a modern retail store environment, there is a need to improve thecustomer experience and/or convenience for the customer. Whethershopping in a large format (big box) store or smaller format(neighborhood) store, customers often require assistance that employeesof the store are not always able to provide. For example, particularlyduring peak hours, there may not be enough employees available to assistcustomers such that customer questions go unanswered. Additionally, dueto high employee turnover rates, available employees may not be fullytrained or have access to information to adequately support customers.Other routine tasks also are difficult to keep up with, particularlyduring peak hours. For example, shopping carts are left abandoned,aisles become messy, inventory is not displayed in the proper locationsor is not even placed on the sales floor, shelf prices may not beproperly set, and theft is hard to discourage. All of these issues canresult in low customer satisfaction or reduced convenience to thecustomer. With increasing competition from non-traditional shoppingmechanisms, such as online shopping provided by e-commerce merchants andalternative store formats, it can be important for “brick and mortar”retailers to focus on improving the overall customer experience and/orconvenience.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above needs are at least partially met through provision ofembodiments of systems, devices, and methods designed to provideassistance to customers and/or workers in a shopping facility, such asdescribed in the following detailed description, particularly whenstudied in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 comprises a block diagram of a shopping assistance system asconfigured in accordance with various embodiments of these teachings;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are illustrations of a motorized transport unit of thesystem of FIG. 1 in a retracted orientation and an extended orientationin accordance with some embodiments;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are illustrations of the motorized transport unit ofFIGS. 2A and 2B detachably coupling to a movable item container, such asa shopping cart, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 4 comprises a block diagram of a motorized transport unit asconfigured in accordance with various embodiments of these teachings;

FIG. 5 comprises a block diagram of a computer device as configured inaccordance with various embodiments of these teachings;

FIG. 6 comprises a block diagram of a system for providing passengertransport in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 7 comprises a flow diagram of a method for providing passengertransport in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 8 comprises an illustration of a passenger carrier in accordancewith some embodiments;

FIG. 9 comprises a flow diagram of a process for providing passengertransport in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 10 comprises a flow diagram as configured in accordance withvarious embodiments of these teachings;

FIG. 11 comprises a flow diagram as configured in accordance withvarious embodiments of these teachings;

FIG. 12 comprises a schematic block diagram as configured in accordancewith various embodiments of these teachings;

FIG. 13 illustrates a simplified flow diagram of an exemplary process ofproviding a customer with product location information, in accordancewith some embodiments;

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a process of supportinga customer, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 15 comprises a block diagram of a system for restoring shoppingspace conditions in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 16 comprises a flow diagram of a method for restoring shoppingspace conditions in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 17 comprises a flow diagram of a process for restoring shoppingspace conditions in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 18 comprises a flow diagram of another process for restoringshopping space conditions in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 19 comprises a flow diagram as configured in accordance withvarious embodiments of these teachings;

FIG. 20 comprises a top plan schematic diagram as configured inaccordance with various embodiments of these teachings;

FIG. 21 illustrates a simplified block diagram of an exemplary firstmotorized transport unit and an exemplary second motorized transportunit approaching an exemplary trash can receptacle that is to beserviced, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 22 illustrates the first motorized transport unit of FIG. 21 movinginto position relative to the trash can receptacle, in accordance withsome embodiments;

FIG. 23 illustrates a simplified block diagram of the first motorizedtransport unit of FIG. 21 supporting the first trash can and moved outfrom the trash can receptacle, while the second motorized transport unitis moving the replacement trash can into position relative to the trashreceptacle, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 24 illustrates a simplified block diagram of an exemplary trash canreceptacle, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 25 illustrates a simplified block diagram of an exemplary trash canin accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 26 illustrates a simplified block diagram of a disposal system, inaccordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 27 illustrates a simplified flow diagram of an exemplary process ofmonitoring trash cans and/or trash can receptacles, in accordance withsome embodiments;

FIGS. 28A-28C illustrate some embodiments of the motorized transportunit detachably engaging a ground treatment system, embodied in thisexample as a snow plow system, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIGS. 29A-29C illustrate a motorized transport unit moving into positionand cooperating with a ground treatment system, embodied in this exampleas a snow blower system, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIGS. 30A-30B similarly illustrate the motorized transport unitcooperating with a ground treatment system, embodied in this example asan ice melt dispenser system, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 30C illustrates a motorized transport unit cooperated with multipleground treatment systems, embodied in this example as a snow plow systemand an ice melt dispenser system, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 31 illustrates a motorized transport unit cooperated with a groundtreatment system, embodied in this example as a ground cleaning system,in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 32 illustrates a simplified flow diagram of an exemplary process ofproviding enhanced safety in response to one or more ground conditions,in accordance with some embodiments.

Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity andhave not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensionsand/or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures maybe exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improveunderstanding of various embodiments of the present teachings. Also,common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in acommercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order tofacilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of thepresent teachings. Certain actions and/or steps may be described ordepicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in theart will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence isnot actually required. The terms and expressions used herein have theordinary technical meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressionsby persons skilled in the technical field as set forth above exceptwhere different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but ismade merely for the purpose of describing the general principles ofexemplary embodiments. Reference throughout this specification to “oneembodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connectionwith the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of thepresent invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,”“in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specificationmay, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

Generally speaking, pursuant to various embodiments, systems, devicesand methods are provided for assistance of persons at a shoppingfacility. Generally, assistance may be provided to customers or shoppersat the facility and/or to workers at the facility. The facility may beany type of shopping facility at a location in which products fordisplay and/or for sale are variously distributed throughout theshopping facility space. The shopping facility may be a retail salesfacility, or any other type of facility in which products are displayedand/or sold. The shopping facility may include one or more of salesfloor areas, checkout locations, parking locations, entrance and exitareas, stock room areas, stock receiving areas, hallway areas, commonareas shared by merchants, and so on. Generally, a shopping facilityincludes areas that may be dynamic in terms of the physical structuresoccupying the space or area and objects, items, machinery and/or personsmoving in the area. For example, the shopping area may include productstorage units, shelves, racks, modules, bins, etc., and other walls,dividers, partitions, etc. that may be configured in different layoutsor physical arrangements. In other example, persons or other movableobjects may be freely and independently traveling through the shoppingfacility space. And in other example, the persons or movable objectsmove according to known travel patterns and timing. The facility may beany size of format facility, and may include products from one or moremerchants. For example, a facility may be a single store operated by onemerchant or may be a collection of stores covering multiple merchantssuch as a mall. Generally, the system makes use of automated, roboticmobile devices, e.g., motorized transport units, that are capable ofself-powered movement through a space of the shopping facility andproviding any number of functions. Movement and operation of suchdevices may be controlled by a central computer system or may beautonomously controlled by the motorized transport units themselves.Various embodiments provide one or more user interfaces to allow varioususers to interact with the system including the automated mobile devicesand/or to directly interact with the automated mobile devices. In someembodiments, the automated mobile devices and the corresponding systemserve to enhance a customer shopping experience in the shoppingfacility, e.g., by assisting shoppers and/or workers at the facility.

In some embodiments, a shopping facility personal assistance systemcomprises: a plurality of motorized transport units located in andconfigured to move through a shopping facility space; a plurality ofuser interface units, each corresponding to a respective motorizedtransport unit during use of the respective motorized transport unit;and a central computer system having a network interface such that thecentral computer system wirelessly communicates with one or both of theplurality of motorized transport units and the plurality of userinterface units, wherein the central computer system is configured tocontrol movement of the plurality of motorized transport units throughthe shopping facility space based at least on inputs from the pluralityof user interface units.

System Overview

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates embodiments of ashopping facility assistance system 100 that can serve to carry out atleast some of the teachings set forth herein. It will be understood thatthe details of this example are intended to serve in an illustrativecapacity and are not necessarily intended to suggest any limitations asregards the present teachings. It is noted that generally, FIGS. 1-5describe the general functionality of several embodiments of a system,and FIGS. 6-32 expand on some functionalities of some embodiments of thesystem and/or embodiments independent of such systems.

In the example of FIG. 1, a shopping assistance system 100 isimplemented in whole or in part at a shopping facility 101. Generally,the system 100 includes one or more motorized transport units (MTUs)102; one or more item containers 104; a central computer system 106having at least one control circuit 108, at least one memory 110 and atleast one network interface 112; at least one user interface unit 114; alocation determination system 116; at least one video camera 118; atleast one motorized transport unit (MTU) dispenser 120; at least onemotorized transport unit (MTU) docking station 122; at least onewireless network 124; at least one database 126; at least one userinterface computer device 128; an item display module 130; and a lockeror an item storage unit 132. It is understood that more or fewer of suchcomponents may be included in different embodiments of the system 100.

These motorized transport units 102 are located in the shopping facility101 and are configured to move throughout the shopping facility space.Further details regarding such motorized transport units 102 appearfurther below. Generally speaking, these motorized transport units 102are configured to either comprise, or to selectively couple to, acorresponding movable item container 104. A simple example of an itemcontainer 104 would be a shopping cart as one typically finds at manyretail facilities, or a rocket cart, a flatbed cart or any other mobilebasket or platform that may be used to gather items for potentialpurchase.

In some embodiments, these motorized transport units 102 wirelesslycommunicate with, and are wholly or largely controlled by, the centralcomputer system 106. In particular, in some embodiments, the centralcomputer system 106 is configured to control movement of the motorizedtransport units 102 through the shopping facility space based on avariety of inputs. For example, the central computer system 106communicates with each motorized transport unit 102 via the wirelessnetwork 124 which may be one or more wireless networks of one or morewireless network types (such as, a wireless local area network, awireless personal area network, a wireless mesh network, a wireless starnetwork, a wireless wide area network, a cellular network, and so on),capable of providing wireless coverage of the desired range of themotorized transport units 102 according to any known wireless protocols,including but not limited to a cellular, Wi-Fi, Zigbee or Bluetoothnetwork.

By one approach the central computer system 106 is a computer baseddevice and includes at least one control circuit 108, at least onememory 110 and at least one wired and/or wireless network interface 112.Such a control circuit 108 can comprise a fixed-purpose hard-wiredplatform or can comprise a partially or wholly programmable platform,such as a microcontroller, an application specification integratedcircuit, a field programmable gate array, and so on. These architecturaloptions are well known and understood in the art and require no furtherdescription here. This control circuit 108 is configured (for example,by using corresponding programming stored in the memory 110 as will bewell understood by those skilled in the art) to carry out one or more ofthe steps, actions, and/or functions described herein.

In this illustrative example the control circuit 108 operably couples toone or more memories 110. The memory 110 may be integral to the controlcircuit 108 or can be physically discrete (in whole or in part) from thecontrol circuit 108 as desired. This memory 110 can also be local withrespect to the control circuit 108 (where, for example, both share acommon circuit board, chassis, power supply, and/or housing) or can bepartially or wholly remote with respect to the control circuit 108(where, for example, the memory 110 is physically located in anotherfacility, metropolitan area, or even country as compared to the controlcircuit 108).

This memory 110 can serve, for example, to non-transitorily store thecomputer instructions that, when executed by the control circuit 108,cause the control circuit 108 to behave as described herein. (As usedherein, this reference to “non-transitorily” will be understood to referto a non-ephemeral state for the stored contents (and hence excludeswhen the stored contents merely constitute signals or waves) rather thanvolatility of the storage media itself and hence includes bothnon-volatile memory (such as read-only memory (ROM) as well as volatilememory (such as an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM).)

Additionally, at least one database 126 may be accessible by the centralcomputer system 106. Such databases may be integrated into the centralcomputer system 106 or separate from it. Such databases may be at thelocation of the shopping facility 101 or remote from the shoppingfacility 101. Regardless of location, the databases comprise memory tostore and organize certain data for use by the central control system106. In some embodiments, the at least one database 126 may store datapertaining to one or more of: shopping facility mapping data, customerdata, customer shopping data and patterns, inventory data, productpricing data, and so on.

In this illustrative example, the central computer system 106 alsowirelessly communicates with a plurality of user interface units 114.These teachings will accommodate a variety of user interface unitsincluding, but not limited to, mobile and/or handheld electronic devicessuch as so-called smart phones and portable computers such astablet/pad-styled computers. Generally speaking, these user interfaceunits 114 should be able to wirelessly communicate with the centralcomputer system 106 via a wireless network, such as the wireless network124 of the shopping facility 101 (such as a Wi-Fi wireless network).These user interface units 114 generally provide a user interface forinteraction with the system. In some embodiments, a given motorizedtransport unit 102 is paired with, associated with, assigned to orotherwise made to correspond with a given user interface unit 114. Insome embodiments, these user interface units 114 should also be able toreceive verbally-expressed input from a user and forward that content tothe central computer system 106 or a motorized transport unit 102 and/orconvert that verbally-expressed input into a form useful to the centralcomputer system 106 or a motorized transport unit 102.

By one approach at least some of the user interface units 114 belong tocorresponding customers who have come to the shopping facility 101 toshop. By another approach, in lieu of the foregoing or in combinationtherewith, at least some of the user interface units 114 belong to theshopping facility 101 and are loaned to individual customers to employas described herein. In some embodiments, one or more user interfaceunits 114 are attachable to a given movable item container 104 or areintegrated with the movable item container 104. Similarly, in someembodiments, one or more user interface units 114 may be those ofshopping facility workers, belong to the shopping facility 101 and areloaned to the workers, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the user interface units 114 may be general purposecomputer devices that include computer programming code to allow it tointeract with the system 106. For example, such programming may be inthe form of an application installed on the user interface unit 114 orin the form of a browser that displays a user interface provided by thecentral computer system 106 or other remote computer or server (such asa web server). In some embodiments, one or more user interface units 114may be special purpose devices that are programmed to primarily functionas a user interface for the system 100. Depending on the functionalityand use case, user interface units 114 may be operated by customers ofthe shopping facility or may be operated by workers at the shoppingfacility, such as facility employees (associates or colleagues),vendors, suppliers, contractors, etc.

By one approach, the system 100 optionally includes one or more videocameras 118. Captured video imagery from such a video camera 118 can beprovided to the central computer system 106. That information can thenserve, for example, to help the central computer system 106 determine apresent location of one or more of the motorized transport units 102and/or determine issues or concerns regarding automated movement ofthose motorized transport units 102 in the shopping facility space. Asone simple example in these regards, such video information can permitthe central computer system 106, at least in part, to detect an objectin a path of movement of a particular one of the motorized transportunits 102.

By one approach these video cameras 118 comprise existing surveillanceequipment employed at the shopping facility 101 to serve, for example,various security purposes. By another approach these video cameras 118are dedicated to providing video content to the central computer system106 to facilitate the latter's control of the motorized transport units102. If desired, the video cameras 118 can have a selectively movablefield of view and/or zoom capability that the central computer system106 controls as appropriate to help ensure receipt of useful informationat any given moment.

In some embodiments, a location detection system 116 is provided at theshopping facility 101. The location detection system 116 provides inputto the central computer system 106 useful to help determine the locationof one or more of the motorized transport units 102. In someembodiments, the location detection system 116 includes a series oflight sources (e.g., LEDs (light-emitting diodes)) that are mounted inthe ceiling at known positions throughout the space and that each encodedata in the emitted light that identifies the source of the light (andthus, the location of the light). As a given motorized transport unit102 moves through the space, light sensors (or light receivers) at themotorized transport unit 102, on the movable item container 104 and/orat the user interface unit 114 receive the light and can decode thedata. This data is sent back to the central computer system 106 whichcan determine the position of the motorized transport unit 102 by thedata of the light it receives, since it can relate the light data to amapping of the light sources to locations at the facility 101.Generally, such lighting systems are known and commercially available,e.g., the ByteLight system from ByteLight of Boston, Mass. Inembodiments using a ByteLight system, a typical display screen of thetypical smart phone device can be used as a light sensor or lightreceiver to receive and process data encoded into the light from theByteLight light sources.

In other embodiments, the location detection system 116 includes aseries of low energy radio beacons (e.g., Bluetooth low energy beacons)at known positions throughout the space and that each encode data in theemitted radio signal that identifies the beacon (and thus, the locationof the beacon). As a given motorized transport unit 102 moves throughthe space, low energy receivers at the motorized transport unit 102, onthe movable item container 104 and/or at the user interface unit 114receive the radio signal and can decode the data. This data is sent backto the central computer system 106 which can determine the position ofthe motorized transport unit 102 by the location encoded in the radiosignal it receives, since it can relate the location data to a mappingof the low energy radio beacons to locations at the facility 101.Generally, such low energy radio systems are known and commerciallyavailable. In embodiments using a Bluetooth low energy radio system, atypical Bluetooth radio of a typical smart phone device can be used as areceiver to receive and process data encoded into the Bluetooth lowenergy radio signals from the Bluetooth low energy beacons.

In still other embodiments, the location detection system 116 includes aseries of audio beacons at known positions throughout the space and thateach encode data in the emitted audio signal that identifies the beacon(and thus, the location of the beacon). As a given motorized transportunit 102 moves through the space, microphones at the motorized transportunit 102, on the movable item container 104 and/or at the user interfaceunit 114 receive the audio signal and can decode the data. This data issent back to the central computer system 106 which can determine theposition of the motorized transport unit 102 by the location encoded inthe audio signal it receives, since it can relate the location data to amapping of the audio beacons to locations at the facility 101.Generally, such audio beacon systems are known and commerciallyavailable. In embodiments using an audio beacon system, a typicalmicrophone of a typical smart phone device can be used as a receiver toreceive and process data encoded into the audio signals from the audiobeacon.

Also optionally, the central computer system 106 can operably couple toone or more user interface computers 128 (comprising, for example, adisplay and a user input interface such as a keyboard, touch screen,and/or cursor-movement device). Such a user interface computer 128 canpermit, for example, a worker (e.g., an associate, analyst, etc.) at theretail or shopping facility 101 to monitor the operations of the centralcomputer system 106 and/or to attend to any of a variety ofadministrative, configuration or evaluation tasks as may correspond tothe programming and operation of the central computer system 106. Suchuser interface computers 128 may be at or remote from the location ofthe facility 101 and may access one or more the databases 126.

In some embodiments, the system 100 includes at least one motorizedtransport unit (MTU) storage unit or dispenser 120 at various locationsin the shopping facility 101. The dispenser 120 provides for storage ofmotorized transport units 102 that are ready to be assigned to customersand/or workers. In some embodiments, the dispenser 120 takes the form ofa cylinder within which motorized transports units 102 are stacked andreleased through the bottom of the dispenser 120. Further details ofsuch embodiments are provided further below. In some embodiments, thedispenser 120 may be fixed in location or may be mobile and capable oftransporting itself to a given location or utilizing a motorizedtransport unit 102 to transport the dispenser 120, then dispense one ormore motorized transport units 102.

In some embodiments, the system 100 includes at least one motorizedtransport unit (MTU) docking station 122. These docking stations 122provide locations where motorized transport units 102 can travel andconnect to. For example, the motorized transport units 102 may be storedand charged at the docking station 122 for later use, and/or may beserviced at the docking station 122.

In accordance with some embodiments, a given motorized transport unit102 detachably connects to a movable item container 104 and isconfigured to move the movable item container 104 through the shoppingfacility space under control of the central computer system 106 and/orthe user interface unit 114. For example, a motorized transport unit 102can move to a position underneath a movable item container 104 (such asa shopping cart, a rocket cart, a flatbed cart, or any other mobilebasket or platform), align itself with the movable item container 104(e.g., using sensors) and then raise itself to engage an undersurface ofthe movable item container 104 and lift a portion of the movable itemcontainer 104. Once the motorized transport unit is cooperating with themovable item container 104 (e.g., lifting a portion of the movable itemcontainer), the motorized transport unit 102 can continue to movethroughout the facility space 101 taking the movable item container 104with it. In some examples, the motorized transport unit 102 takes theform of the motorized transport unit 202 of FIGS. 2A-3B as it engagesand detachably connects to a given movable item container 104. It isunderstood that in other embodiments, the motorized transport unit 102may not lift a portion of the movable item container 104, but that itremovably latches to, connects to or otherwise attaches to a portion ofthe movable item container 104 such that the movable item container 104can be moved by the motorized transport unit 102. For example, themotorized transport unit 102 can connect to a given movable itemcontainer using a hook, a mating connector, a magnet, and so on.

In addition to detachably coupling to movable item containers 104 (suchas shopping carts), in some embodiments, motorized transport units 102can move to and engage or connect to an item display module 130 and/oran item storage unit or locker 132. For example, an item display module130 may take the form of a mobile display rack or shelving unitconfigured to house and display certain items for sale. It may bedesired to position the display module 130 at various locations withinthe shopping facility 101 at various times. Thus, one or more motorizedtransport units 102 may move (as controlled by the central computersystem 106) underneath the item display module 130, extend upward tolift the module 130 and then move it to the desired location. A storagelocker 132 may be a storage device where items for purchase arecollected and placed therein for a customer and/or worker to laterretrieve. In some embodiments, one or more motorized transport units 102may be used to move the storage locker to a desired location in theshopping facility 101. Similar to how a motorized transport unit engagesa movable item container 104 or item display module 130, one or moremotorized transport units 102 may move (as controlled by the centralcomputer system 106) underneath the storage locker 132, extend upward tolift the locker 132 and then move it to the desired location.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate some embodiments of a motorized transportunit 202, similar to the motorized transport unit 102 shown in thesystem of FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the motorized transport unit 202takes the form of a disc-shaped robotic device having motorized wheels(not shown), a lower body portion 204 and an upper body portion 206 thatfits over at least part of the lower body portion 204. It is noted thatin other embodiments, the motorized transport unit may have other shapesand/or configurations, and is not limited to disc-shaped. For example,the motorized transport unit may be cubic, octagonal, triangular, orother shapes, and may be dependent on a movable item container withwhich the motorized transport unit is intended to cooperate. Alsoincluded are guide members 208. In FIG. 2A, the motorized transport unit202 is shown in a retracted position in which the upper body portion 206fits over the lower body portion 204 such that the motorized transportunit 202 is in its lowest profile orientation which is generally thepreferred orientation for movement when it is unattached to a movableitem container 104 for example. In FIG. 2B, the motorized transport unit202 is shown in an extended position in which the upper body portion 206is moved upward relative to the lower body portion 204 such that themotorized transport unit 202 is in its highest profile orientation formovement when it is lifting and attaching to a movable item container104 for example. The mechanism within the motorized transport unit 202is designed to provide sufficient lifting force to lift the weight ofthe upper body portion 206 and other objects to be lifted by themotorized transport unit 202, such as movable item containers 104 anditems placed within the movable item container, item display modules 130and items supported by the item display module, and storage lockers 132and items placed within the storage locker. The guide members 208 areembodied as pegs or shafts that extend horizontally from the both theupper body portion 206 and the lower body portion 204. In someembodiments, these guide members 208 assist docking the motorizedtransport unit 202 to a docking station 122 or a dispenser 120. In someembodiments, the lower body portion 204 and the upper body portion arecapable to moving independently of each other. For example, the upperbody portion 206 may be raised and/or rotated relative to the lower bodyportion 204. That is, one or both of the upper body portion 206 and thelower body portion 204 may move toward/away from the other or rotatedrelative to the other. In some embodiments, in order to raise the upperbody portion 206 relative to the lower body portion 204, the motorizedtransport unit 202 includes an internal lifting system (e.g., includingone or more electric actuators or rotary drives or motors). Numerousexamples of such motorized lifting and rotating systems are known in theart. Accordingly, further elaboration in these regards is not providedhere for the sake of brevity.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate some embodiments of the motorized transportunit 202 detachably engaging a movable item container embodied as ashopping cart 302. In FIG. 3A, the motorized transport unit 202 is inthe orientation of FIG. 2A such that it is retracted and able to move inposition underneath a portion of the shopping cart 302. Once themotorized transport unit 202 is in position (e.g., using sensors), asillustrated in FIG. 3B, the motorized transport unit 202 is moved to theextended position of FIG. 2B such that the front portion 304 of theshopping cart is lifted off of the ground by the motorized transportunit 202, with the wheels 306 at the rear of the shopping cart 302remaining on the ground. In this orientation, the motorized transportunit 202 is able to move the shopping cart 302 throughout the shoppingfacility. It is noted that in these embodiments, the motorized transportunit 202 does not bear the weight of the entire cart 302 since the rearwheels 306 rest on the floor. It is understood that in some embodiments,the motorized transport unit 202 may be configured to detachably engageother types of movable item containers, such as rocket carts, flatbedcarts or other mobile baskets or platforms.

FIG. 4 presents a more detailed example of some embodiments of themotorized transport unit 102 of FIG. 1. In this example, the motorizedtransport unit 102 has a housing 402 that contains (partially or fully)or at least supports and carries a number of components. Thesecomponents include a control unit 404 comprising a control circuit 406that, like the control circuit 108 of the central computer system 106,controls the general operations of the motorized transport unit 102.Accordingly, the control unit 404 also includes a memory 408 coupled tothe control circuit 406 and that stores, for example, operatinginstructions and/or useful data.

The control circuit 406 operably couples to a motorized wheel system410. This motorized wheel system 410 functions as a locomotion system topermit the motorized transport unit 102 to move within theaforementioned retail or shopping facility 101 (thus, the motorizedwheel system 410 may more generically be referred to as a locomotionsystem). Generally speaking, this motorized wheel system 410 willinclude at least one drive wheel (i.e., a wheel that rotates (around ahorizontal axis) under power to thereby cause the motorized transportunit 102 to move through interaction with, for example, the floor of theshopping facility 101). The motorized wheel system 410 can include anynumber of rotating wheels and/or other floor-contacting mechanisms asmay be desired and/or appropriate to the application setting.

The motorized wheel system 410 also includes a steering mechanism ofchoice. One simple example in these regards comprises one or more of theaforementioned wheels that can swivel about a vertical axis to therebycause the moving motorized transport unit 102 to turn as well.

Numerous examples of motorized wheel systems are known in the art.Accordingly, further elaboration in these regards is not provided herefor the sake of brevity save to note that the aforementioned controlcircuit 406 is configured to control the various operating states of themotorized wheel system 410 to thereby control when and how the motorizedwheel system 410 operates.

In this illustrative example, the control circuit 406 also operablycouples to at least one wireless transceiver 412 that operates accordingto any known wireless protocol. This wireless transceiver 412 cancomprise, for example, a Wi-Fi-compatible and/or Bluetooth-compatibletransceiver that can communicate with the aforementioned centralcomputer system 106 via the aforementioned wireless network 124 of theshopping facility 101. So configured the control circuit 406 of themotorized transport unit 102 can provide information to the centralcomputer system 106 and can receive information and/or instructions fromthe central computer system 106. As one simple example in these regards,the control circuit 406 can receive instructions from the centralcomputer system 106 regarding movement of the motorized transport unit102.

These teachings will accommodate using any of a wide variety of wirelesstechnologies as desired and/or as may be appropriate in a givenapplication setting. These teachings will also accommodate employing twoor more different wireless transceivers 412 if desired.

The control circuit 406 also couples to one or more on-board sensors414. These teachings will accommodate a wide variety of sensortechnologies and form factors. By one approach at least one such sensor414 can comprise a light sensor or light receiver. When theaforementioned location detection system 116 comprises a plurality oflight emitters disposed at particular locations within the shoppingfacility 101, such a light sensor can provide information that thecontrol circuit 406 and/or the central computer system 106 employs todetermine a present location and/or orientation of the motorizedtransport unit 102.

As another example, such a sensor 414 can comprise a distancemeasurement unit configured to detect a distance between the motorizedtransport unit 102 and one or more objects or surfaces around themotorized transport unit 102 (such as an object that lies in a projectedpath of movement for the motorized transport unit 102 through theshopping facility 101). These teachings will accommodate any of avariety of distance measurement units including optical units andsound/ultrasound units. In one example, a sensor 414 comprises a laserdistance sensor device capable of determining a distance to objects inproximity to the sensor. In some embodiments, a sensor 414 comprises anoptical based scanning device to sense and read optical patterns inproximity to the sensor, such as bar codes variously located onstructures in the shopping facility 101. In some embodiments, a sensor414 comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reader capableof reading RFID tags in proximity to the sensor. Such sensors may beuseful to determine proximity to nearby objects, avoid collisions,orient the motorized transport unit at a proper alignment orientation toengage a movable item container, and so on.

The foregoing examples are intended to be illustrative and are notintended to convey an exhaustive listing of all possible sensors.Instead, it will be understood that these teachings will accommodatesensing any of a wide variety of circumstances or phenomena to supportthe operating functionality of the motorized transport unit 102 in agiven application setting.

By one optional approach an audio input 416 (such as a microphone)and/or an audio output 418 (such as a speaker) can also operably coupleto the control circuit 406. So configured the control circuit 406 canprovide a variety of audible sounds to thereby communicate with a userof the motorized transport unit 102, other persons in the vicinity ofthe motorized transport unit 102, or even other motorized transportunits 102 in the area. These audible sounds can include any of a varietyof tones and other non-verbal sounds. These audible sounds can alsoinclude, in lieu of the foregoing or in combination therewith,pre-recorded or synthesized speech.

The audio input 416, in turn, provides a mechanism whereby, for example,a user provides verbal input to the control circuit 406. That verbalinput can comprise, for example, instructions, inquiries, orinformation. So configured, a user can provide, for example, a questionto the motorized transport unit 102 (such as, “Where are the towels?”).The control circuit 406 can cause that verbalized question to betransmitted to the central computer system 106 via the motorizedtransport unit's wireless transceiver 412. The central computer system106 can process that verbal input to recognize the speech content and tothen determine an appropriate response. That response might comprise,for example, transmitting back to the motorized transport unit 102specific instructions regarding how to move the motorized transport unit102 (via the aforementioned motorized wheel system 410) to the locationin the shopping facility 101 where the towels are displayed.

In this example the motorized transport unit 102 includes a rechargeablepower source 420 such as one or more batteries. The power provided bythe rechargeable power source 420 can be made available to whichevercomponents of the motorized transport unit 102 require electricalenergy. By one approach the motorized transport unit 102 includes a plugor other electrically conductive interface that the control circuit 406can utilize to automatically connect to an external source of electricalenergy to thereby recharge the rechargeable power source 420.

By one approach the motorized transport unit 102 comprises an integralpart of a movable item container 104 such as a grocery cart. As usedherein, this reference to “integral” will be understood to refer to anon-temporary combination and joinder that is sufficiently complete soas to consider the combined elements to be as one. Such a joinder can befacilitated in a number of ways including by securing the motorizedtransport unit housing 402 to the item container using bolts or otherthreaded fasteners as versus, for example, a clip.

These teachings will also accommodate selectively and temporarilyattaching the motorized transport unit 102 to an item container 104. Insuch a case the motorized transport unit 102 can include a movable itemcontainer coupling structure 422. By one approach this movable itemcontainer coupling structure 422 operably couples to a control circuit202 to thereby permit the latter to control, for example, the latchedand unlatched states of the movable item container coupling structure422. So configured, by one approach the control circuit 406 canautomatically and selectively move the motorized transport unit 102 (viathe motorized wheel system 410) towards a particular item containeruntil the movable item container coupling structure 422 can engage theitem container to thereby temporarily physically couple the motorizedtransport unit 102 to the item container. So latched, the motorizedtransport unit 102 can then cause the item container to move with themotorized transport unit 102. In embodiments such as illustrated inFIGS. 2A-3B, the movable item container coupling structure 422 includesa lifting system (e.g., including an electric drive or motor) to cause aportion of the body or housing 402 to engage and lift a portion of theitem container off of the ground such that the motorized transport unit102 can carry a portion of the item container. In other embodiments, themovable transport unit latches to a portion of the movable itemcontainer without lifting a portion thereof off of the ground.

In either case, by combining the motorized transport unit 102 with anitem container, and by controlling movement of the motorized transportunit 102 via the aforementioned central computer system 106, theseteachings will facilitate a wide variety of useful ways to assist bothcustomers and associates in a shopping facility setting. For example,the motorized transport unit 102 can be configured to follow aparticular customer as they shop within the shopping facility 101. Thecustomer can then place items they intend to purchase into the itemcontainer that is associated with the motorized transport unit 102.

In some embodiments, the motorized transport unit 102 includes aninput/output (I/O) device 424 that is coupled to the control circuit406. The I/O device 424 allows an external device to couple to thecontrol unit 404. The function and purpose of connecting devices willdepend on the application. In some examples, devices connecting to theI/O device 424 may add functionality to the control unit 404, allow theexporting of data from the control unit 404, allow the diagnosing of themotorized transport unit 102, and so on.

In some embodiments, the motorized transport unit 102 includes a userinterface 426 including for example, user inputs and/or user outputs ordisplays depending on the intended interaction with the user. Forexample, user inputs could include any input device such as buttons,knobs, switches, touch sensitive surfaces or display screens, and so on.Example user outputs include lights, display screens, and so on. Theuser interface 426 may work together with or separate from any userinterface implemented at a user interface unit 114 (such as a smartphone or tablet device).

The control unit 404 includes a memory 408 coupled to the controlcircuit 406 and that stores, for example, operating instructions and/oruseful data. The control circuit 406 can comprise a fixed-purposehard-wired platform or can comprise a partially or wholly programmableplatform. These architectural options are well known and understood inthe art and require no further description here. This control circuit406 is configured (for example, by using corresponding programmingstored in the memory 408 as will be well understood by those skilled inthe art) to carry out one or more of the steps, actions, and/orfunctions described herein. The memory 408 may be integral to thecontrol circuit 406 or can be physically discrete (in whole or in part)from the control circuit 406 as desired. This memory 408 can also belocal with respect to the control circuit 406 (where, for example, bothshare a common circuit board, chassis, power supply, and/or housing) orcan be partially or wholly remote with respect to the control circuit406. This memory 408 can serve, for example, to non-transitorily storethe computer instructions that, when executed by the control circuit406, cause the control circuit 406 to behave as described herein. (Asused herein, this reference to “non-transitorily” will be understood torefer to a non-ephemeral state for the stored contents (and henceexcludes when the stored contents merely constitute signals or waves)rather than volatility of the storage media itself and hence includesboth non-volatile memory (such as read-only memory (ROM) as well asvolatile memory (such as an erasable programmable read-only memory(EPROM).)

It is noted that not all components illustrated in FIG. 4 are includedin all embodiments of the motorized transport unit 102. That is, somecomponents may be optional depending on the implementation.

FIG. 5 illustrates a functional block diagram that may generallyrepresent any number of various electronic components of the system 100that are computer type devices. The computer device 500 includes acontrol circuit 502, a memory 504, a user interface 506 and aninput/output (I/O) interface 508 providing any type of wired and/orwireless connectivity to the computer device 500, all coupled to acommunication bus 510 to allow data and signaling to pass therebetween.Generally, the control circuit 502 and the memory 504 may be referred toas a control unit. The control circuit 502, the memory 504, the userinterface 506 and the I/O interface 508 may be any of the devicesdescribed herein or as understood in the art. The functionality of thecomputer device 500 will depend on the programming stored in the memory504. The computer device 500 may represent a high level diagram for oneor more of the central computer system 106, the motorized transport unit102, the user interface unit 114, the location detection system 116, theuser interface computer 128, the MTU docking station 122 and the MTUdispenser 120, or any other device or component in the system that isimplemented as a computer device.

Additional Features Overview

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-5, the shopping assistance system 100 mayimplement one or more of several different features depending on theconfiguration of the system and its components. The following provides abrief description of several additional features that could beimplemented by the system. One or more of these features could also beimplemented in other systems separate from embodiments of the system.This is not meant to be an exhaustive description of all features andnot meant to be an exhaustive description of the details any one of thefeatures. Further details with regards to one or more features beyondthis overview may be provided herein.

Tagalong Steering: This feature allows a given motorized transport unit102 to lead or follow a user (e.g., a customer and/or a worker)throughout the shopping facility 101. For example, the central computersystem 106 uses the location detection system 116 to determine thelocation of the motorized transport unit 102. For example, LED smartlights (e.g., the ByteLight system) of the location detection system 116transmit a location number to smart devices which are with the customer(e.g., user interface units 114), and/or on the item container104/motorized transport unit 102. The central computer system 106receives the LED location numbers received by the smart devices throughthe wireless network 124. Using this information, in some embodiments,the central computer system 106 uses a grid placed upon a 2D CAD map and3D point cloud model (e.g., from the databases 126) to direct, track,and plot paths for the other devices. Using the grid, the motorizedtransport unit 102 can drive a movable item container 104 in a straightpath rather than zigzagging around the facility. As the user moves fromone grid to another, the motorized transport unit 102 drives thecontainer 104 from one grid to the other. In some embodiments, as theuser moves towards the motorized transport unit, it stays still untilthe customer moves beyond an adjoining grid.

Detecting Objects: In some embodiments, motorized transport units 102detect objects through several sensors mounted on motorized transportunit 102, through independent cameras (e.g., video cameras 118), throughsensors of a corresponding movable item container 104, and throughcommunications with the central computer system 106. In someembodiments, with semi-autonomous capabilities, the motorized transportunit 102 will attempt to avoid obstacles, and if unable to avoid, itwill notify the central computer system 106 of an exception condition.In some embodiments, using sensors 414 (such as distance measurementunits, e.g., laser or other optical-based distance measurement sensors),the motorized transport unit 102 detects obstacles in its path, and willmove to avoid, or stop until the obstacle is clear.

Visual Remote Steering: This feature enables movement and/or operationof a motorized transport unit 102 to be controlled by a user on-site,off-site, or anywhere in the world. This is due to the architecture ofsome embodiments where the central computer system 106 outputs thecontrol signals to the motorized transport unit 102. These controlssignals could have originated at any device in communication with thecentral computer system 106. For example, the movement signals sent tothe motorized transport unit 102 may be movement instructions determinedby the central computer system 106; commands received at a userinterface unit 114 from a user; and commands received at the centralcomputer system 106 from a remote user not located at the shoppingfacility space.

Determining Location: Similar to that described above, this featureenables the central computer system 106 to determine the location ofdevices in the shopping facility 101. For example, the central computersystem 106 maps received LED light transmissions, Bluetooth low energyradio signals or audio signals (or other received signals encoded withlocation data) to a 2D map of the shopping facility. Objects within thearea of the shopping facility are also mapped and associated with thosetransmissions. Using this information, the central computer system 106can determine the location of devices such as motorized transport units.

Digital Physical Map Integration: In some embodiments, the system 100 iscapable of integrating 2D and 3D maps of the shopping facility withphysical locations of objects and workers. Once the central computersystem 106 maps all objects to specific locations using algorithms,measurements and LED geo-location, for example, grids are applied whichsections off the maps into access ways and blocked sections. Motorizedtransport units 102 use these grids for navigation and recognition. Insome cases, grids are applied to 2D horizontal maps along with 3Dmodels. In some cases, grids start at a higher unit level and then canbe broken down into smaller units of measure by the central computersystem 106 when needed to provide more accuracy.

Calling a Motorized Transport Unit: This feature provides multiplemethods to request and schedule a motorized transport unit 102 forassistance in the shopping facility. In some embodiments, users canrequest use of a motorized transport unit 102 through the user interfaceunit 114. The central computer system 106 can check to see if there isan available motorized transport unit. Once assigned to a given user,other users will not be able to control the already assigned transportunit. Workers, such as store associates, may also reserve multiplemotorized transport units in order to accomplish a coordinated largejob.

Locker Delivery: In some embodiments, one or more motorized transportunits 102 may be used to pick, pack, and deliver items to a particularstorage locker 132. The motorized transport units 102 can couple to andmove the storage locker to a desired location. In some embodiments, oncedelivered, the requestor will be notified that the items are ready to bepicked up, and will be provided the locker location and locker securitycode key.

Route Optimization: In some embodiments, the central computer systemautomatically generates a travel route for one or more motorizedtransport units through the shopping facility space. In someembodiments, this route is based on one or more of a user provided listof items entered by the user via a user interface unit 114; userselected route preferences entered by the user via the user interfaceunit 114; user profile data received from a user information database(e.g., from one of databases 126); and product availability informationfrom a retail inventory database (e.g., from one of databases 126). Insome cases, the route intends to minimize the time it takes to getthrough the facility, and in some cases, may route the shopper to theleast busy checkout area. Frequently, there will be multiple possibleoptimum routes. The route chosen may take the user by things the user ismore likely to purchase (in case they forgot something), and away fromthings they are not likely to buy (to avoid embarrassment). That is,routing a customer through sporting goods, women's lingerie, baby food,or feminine products, who has never purchased such products based onpast customer behavior would be non-productive, and potentiallyembarrassing to the customer. In some cases, a route may be determinedfrom multiple possible routes based on past shopping behavior, e.g., ifthe customer typically buys a cold Diet Coke product, children's shoesor power tools, this information would be used to add weight to the bestalternative routes, and determine the route accordingly.

Store Facing Features: In some embodiments, these features enablefunctions to support workers in performing store functions. For example,the system can assist workers to know what products and items are on theshelves and which ones need attention. For example, using 3D scanningand point cloud measurements, the central computer system can determinewhere products are supposed to be, enabling workers to be alerted tofacing or zoning of issues along with potential inventory issues.

Phone Home: This feature allows users in a shopping facility 101 to beable to contact remote users who are not at the shopping facility 101and include them in the shopping experience. For example, the userinterface unit 114 may allow the user to place a voice call, a videocall, or send a text message. With video call capabilities, a remoteperson can virtually accompany an in-store shopper, visually sharing theshopping experience while seeing and talking with the shopper. One ormore remote shoppers may join the experience.

Returns: In some embodiments, the central computer system 106 can task amotorized transport unit 102 to keep the returns area clear of returnedmerchandise. For example, the transport unit may be instructed to move acart from the returns area to a different department or area. Suchcommands may be initiated from video analytics (the central computersystem analyzing camera footage showing a cart full), from an associatecommand (digital or verbal), or on a schedule, as other priority tasksallow. The motorized transport unit 102 can first bring an empty cart tothe returns area, prior to removing a full one.

Bring a Container: One or more motorized transport units can retrieve amovable item container 104 (such as a shopping cart) to use. Forexample, upon a customer or worker request, the motorized transport unit102 can re-position one or more item containers 104 from one location toanother. In some cases, the system instructs the motorized transportunit where to obtain an empty item container for use. For example, thesystem can recognize an empty and idle item container that has beenabandoned or instruct that one be retrieved from a cart storage area. Insome cases, the call to retrieve an item container may be initiatedthrough a call button placed throughout the facility, or through theinterface of a user interface unit 114.

Respond to Voice Commands: In some cases, control of a given motorizedtransport unit is implemented through the acceptance of voice commands.For example, the user may speak voice commands to the motorizedtransport unit 102 itself and/or to the user interface unit 114. In someembodiments, a voice print is used to authorize to use of a motorizedtransport unit 102 to allow voice commands from single user at a time.

Retrieve Abandoned Item Containers: This feature allows the centralcomputer system to track movement of movable item containers in andaround the area of the shopping facility 101, including both the salefloor areas and the back-room areas. For example, using visualrecognition through store cameras 118 or through user interface units114, the central computer system 106 can identify abandoned andout-of-place movable item containers. In some cases, each movable itemcontainer has a transmitter or smart device which will send a uniqueidentifier to facilitate tracking or other tasks and its position usingLED geo-location identification. Using LED geo-location identificationwith the Determining Location feature through smart devices on eachcart, the central computer system 106 can determine the length of time amovable item container 104 is stationary.

Stocker Assistance: This feature allows the central computer system totrack movement of merchandise flow into and around the back-room areas.For example, using visual recognition and captured images, the centralcomputer system 106 can determine if carts are loaded or not for movingmerchandise between the back room areas and the sale floor areas. Tasksor alerts may be sent to workers to assign tasks.

Self-Docking: Motorized transport units 102 will run low or out of powerwhen used. Before this happens, the motorized transport units 102 needto recharge to stay in service. According to this feature, motorizedtransport units 102 will self-dock and recharge (e.g., at an MTU dockingstation 122) to stay at maximum efficiency, when not in use. When use iscompleted, the motorized transport unit 102 will return to a dockingstation 122. In some cases, if the power is running low during use, areplacement motorized transport unit can be assigned to move intoposition and replace the motorized transport unit with low power. Thetransition from one unit to the next can be seamless to the user.

Item Container Retrieval: With this feature, the central computer system106 can cause multiple motorized transport units 102 to retrieveabandoned item containers from exterior areas such as parking lots. Forexample, multiple motorized transport units are loaded into a movabledispenser, e.g., the motorized transport units are vertically stacked inthe dispenser. The dispenser is moved to the exterior area and thetransport units are dispensed. Based on video analytics, it isdetermined which item containers 104 are abandoned and for how long. Atransport unit will attach to an abandoned cart and return it to astorage bay.

Motorized Transport Unit Dispenser: This feature provides the movabledispenser that contains and moves a group of motorized transport unitsto a given area (e.g., an exterior area such as a parking lot) to bedispensed for use. For example, motorized transport units can be movedto the parking lot to retrieve abandoned item containers 104. In somecases, the interior of the dispenser includes helically wound guiderails that mate with the guide member 208 to allow the motorizedtransport units to be guided to a position to be dispensed.

Specialized Module Retrieval: This feature allows the system 100 totrack movement of merchandise flow into and around the sales floor areasand the back-room areas including special modules that may be needed tomove to the sales floor. For example, using video analytics, the systemcan determine if a modular unit it loaded or empty. Such modular unitsmay house items that are of seasonal or temporary use on the salesfloor. For example, when it is raining, it is useful to move a moduleunit displaying umbrellas from a back room area (or a lesser accessedarea of the sales floor) to a desired area of the sales floor area.

Authentication: This feature uses a voice imprint with an attentioncode/word to authenticate a user to a given motorized transport unit.One motorized transport unit can be swapped for another using thisauthentication. For example, a token is used during the session with theuser. The token is a unique identifier for the session which is droppedonce the session is ended. A logical token may be a session id used bythe application of the user interface unit 114 to establish the sessionid when user logs on and when deciding to do use the system 100. In someembodiments, communications throughout the session are encrypted usingSSL or other methods at transport level.

Further Details of Some Embodiments

In accordance with some embodiments, further details are now providedfor one or more of these and other features. A system and method forproviding passenger transport is provided herein.

In some embodiments, a motorized transport unit (MTU) system may be aprogressively intelligent system with the capabilities of integratingsmart devices, internet, cell services, indoor and outdoor location, andmany other features that enhances the safety and enjoyment of customersand associates in a shopping space. An MTU may be configured forintelligent steering by using a concert of sensors, voice recognition,geo-location, predetermined routes, boundaries, store map, intelligenttag, GPS, compass, smart device, and “bird's eye view” video analyticsto select the optimal path to travel to perform various tasks.Intelligent steering may also be utilized to enable MTUs to drivepassenger carriers to transport customer(s) or associate(s) around theshopping floor or the parking lot of a shopping facility.

There are situations where customers or associates are unable to walk(or would prefer not to walk) from the parking lot or may havedifficulty standing or walking throughout the store. The technologiesused to maneuver MTUs around a shopping facility can also be used tomaneuver a mobility assistance vehicle or golf cart-like passengercarrier around the shopping space. An MTU driven passenger carriersystem allows for better utilization of the parking lot and can enablecustomers with limited mobility to shop in a store. Having MTU drivenpassenger carriers also allow stores to be built in locations thatcannot provide adequate parking spaces nearby. An MTU driven passengercarrier system also allows for handicap spaces to be placed further fromthe doors of the stores. An MTU can also be fitted with a carrier formultiple (e.g. up to more than 4) passengers. An MTU may stop and pickup multiple customers within the parking lot and bring them to the doorof a store. Multiple MTUs may be assigned to a passenger carrier toensure that the weight-bearing requirement of holding multiple people ismet. In some embodiments, the MTU may attach to a passenger carrier withsimilar means used to attach to a shopping cart described herein. Theintelligence of the MTU system can be attached or given to anyvehicle/cart by having the MTU drive the vehicle. The customer will beable to walk or ride through the aisles with two open hands while MTUdrives and steers the passenger carrier.

In some embodiments, a passenger carrier may be a modified handicapgrocery cart, golf cart, or other similar device without manual controlsand steering. Steering capabilities may be provided by MTUs that areautomated using the same methods that control an MTU's maneuvering in ashopping space for other tasks described herein. The intelligence of theMTU system to maneuver is added to each such device through the centralcomputer system and network. Added capabilities may include remotelystarting the vehicle, responsive breaking and accelerating, turnsignals, beacon lights, and a backup alarms.

As with other uses of the MTU, a route or path may be established forpassenger transporting MTUs. In the parking lot, the MTU system mayrecord customers' parking spots to optimize the routes for transportingpassengers to and from their vehicles. For stores with very large lots,continuous shuttle routes may be served by MTUs. Additionally, forcustomers with disabilities, a cart can be summoned using a portableuser device and a passenger carrier may be instructed to meet thecustomer once he/she is parked. The MTU may determine the customerlocation through the customer's user device and/or through video imageanalysis.

FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of a passenger transport system 600as configured in accordance with various embodiments of these teachings.The passenger transport system 600 includes a central computer system620, and a number of motorized transport units 640 (MTUs 640) eachconfigured to attach to and transport passenger carriers 650 forcarrying customers 660 as passengers. The passenger transport system 600may include or be implemented at least partially with one or morecomponents shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5 or may be more genericallyimplemented outside of the embodiments of FIGS. 1, 4 and 5.

The central computer system 620 includes a control circuit 621 and amemory 622 and may be generally referred to as a processor-based device,a computing device, a server, and the like. In some embodiments, thecentral computer system 620 may be implemented with one or more of thecentral computer system 106 and/or the computer device 500 describedabove. For example, the functionalities of the central computer system620 described herein may be implemented as one or more software and/orhardware modules in the central computer system 106.

The central computer system 620 has stored on its memory 622, a set ofcomputer readable instructions that is executable by the control circuit621 to cause the control circuit 621 to instruct an MTU 640 to attachitself to a passenger carrier 650 to provide transportation to one ormore customers 660. The central computer system 620 may further beconfigured to instruct the MTU 640 as it travels through a shoppingspace with a passenger carrier 650 and one or more customers 660. Insome embodiments, the central computer system 620 may be located insideof and serve a specific shopping space. In some embodiments, the centralcomputer system 620 may be at least partially implemented on a remote orcloud-based server that provides instructions to MTUs in one or moreshopping spaces.

The central computer system 620 may further be communicatively coupledto a set of sensors (not shown). The sensors may include one or more ofoptical sensors, image sensors, proximity sensors, the locationdetection system 116, the video camera system 118, and sensors on MTUs102 described with reference to FIG. 1 above. Generally, the sensors areconfigured to provide the central computer system information forlocating one or more of the MTUs 640, the passenger carriers 650, andcustomers 660. In some embodiments, the sensors 116 may include one ormore sensors attached to one or more of the MTU 640, the passengercarrier 650, and a portable user device carried by a customer 660. Insome embodiments, one or more of the MTUs 605, the passenger carrier650, and the user interface device may include a sensor that detectsgeolocation beacon transmissions for determining location. The detectedgeolocation beacon transmission may be relayed back to the centralcomputer system 620 to indicate a location of the MTU 640, the passengercarrier 650, and/or a user device carried by a customer. In someembodiments, the sensors include a set of cameras for providing imagesof the shopping space to the central computer system 620. The centralcomputer system 620 may analyze the images captured by the cameras anddetermine the location of one or more of the passenger carrier 650, thecustomer 660, and/or a passenger vehicle. The cameras may be stationarycameras mounted in the shopping space and/or mounted on or integratedwith the MTUs and/or user interface devices.

In some embodiments, each motorized transport unit 640 may be the MTU102 described in FIG. 1, the MTU shown in FIGS. 2A-3B, and/or the MTU102 described in FIG. 4. Generally, an MTU 640 may be a motorized deviceconfigured to transport a passenger carrier through a shopping spaceaccording to instructions received from a central computer system 620.The MTUs may couple to a passenger carrier 650 through similar couplingmeans as shown in FIGS. 3A-B above. For example, the MTU 640 may extendupward and partially lift the passenger carrier 650 to carry thepassenger carrier 650. In some embodiments, a different type of MTU maybe used for transporting passenger carriers. In some embodiments, theMTU 640 may include attachment means such as a magnet, a hook, a latch,and the like for attaching to the passenger carrier 650. The attachmentmeans may selectively engage and disengage the passenger carrier fromthe MTU 640. In some embodiments, the MTU 640 may include other inputand output devices such as a speaker, an audio input device, a visualstatus indicators, and the like for communicating with passengers.

The passenger carrier 650 may generally be any movable passenger carrierconfigured to be coupled to an MTU 640. While two seat carts areillustrated in FIG. 6, in some embodiments, the system may includedifferent types of passenger carriers such as carts with differentpassenger capacities, carts with child seats, carts with mobilityassistance features, carts with different types of item containers, etc.The central computer system 620 may be configured to select a passengercarrier 650 based on the number of customers it needs to carry and/orthe customer's requested type of passenger carrier. Generally, thepassenger carriers 650 may include wheels and one or more passengersseats. In some embodiments, a passenger carrier 650 comprises wheelsthat are not powered and no steering controls for the passengers. Insome embodiments, a passenger carrier 650 includes only limited safetycontrols such as an emergency break and a button to call for help. Insome embodiments, a passenger carrier 650 includes one or moreinput/output means communicatively coupled to the MTU 540. For example,the passenger carrier 650 may include a user interface that displaysinformation provided by the MTU 540 to the passenger and may relay touchand/or voice inputs form the passenger to the MTU 540. In someembodiments, the MTU includes turn or break signals lights and/or backupalarms that can be controlled by the MTU 540. In some embodiments, thepassenger carriers 650 do not directly communicate with the centralcomputer system 620 or a portable user device. In some embodiments, thesteering and the input/output devices of the passenger carriers 650 arepowered and/or controlled solely by inputs from the MTU 520 attached toit. In some embodiments, the passenger carrier may be a powered vehicle,and the steering and controls may be disabled when an MTU is attached tothe vehicle.

In some embodiments, the central computer system 620 may further be incommunication with user interface devices (not shown). The userinterface devices may include user interface unit 114 and may includeone or more of a portable user device (e.g. smartphone, tablet computer,wearable device, head mounted device, etc.), a user interface attachedto the MTU 640, an in-store stationary user interface unit, and thelike. The customers 660 may make a ride request to the central computersystem 620 via a user interface device. For example, the customer 660may use an mobile application (“app”) running on his/her portable deviceto request a ride from his/her vehicle and the central computer mayinstruct an MTU 640 to meet the customer 660 with a passenger carrier650 in the parking lot. The customer may further select points in thestore to visit using the portable user device and/or the MTU's userinterface. For example, a passenger may enter a shopping list and/orselect sections, areas, and/or items from the user device. The systemmay then configure a route for the user based on the enteredinformation. In some embodiments, user interface devices may beimplemented as stationary devices. For example, a customer may approacha ride station and request a ride using a user interface device in theride station.

FIG. 7 shows a flow diagram of a method for providing passengertransport in a shopping space in accordance with various embodiments ofthese teachings. The steps shown in FIG. 7 may be performed by one ormore of the central computer system 620 in FIG. 6, the central computersystem 106 in FIG. 1, and the computer device 500 in FIG. 5, forexample. In some embodiments, the steps are performed by aprocessor-based device executing a set of computer readable instructionsstored on a memory device.

In step 710, the control circuit receives a ride request. A ride requestmay be made via a user interface device such as user interface unit 114,which may be a customer's personal device or a store-owned mobile orstationary device configured to communicate with a central computersystem. The user interface unit may include a software or hardwarebutton for requesting a ride. In some embodiments, the request mayfurther include a request for a specific type of passenger carrierand/or a number of passengers. For example, a customer may request for apassenger carrier with four seats, a passenger carrier with a childseat, a passenger carrier with mobility assistance features, etc. Theuser interface unit may display the different available passengercarrier options to the user. In some embodiments, a ride request maycomprise a spoken command. For example, the customer may say to an MTUunit and/or a user interface device: “I need a ride.” In someembodiments, when a ride is requested, the system also determines alocation of the requesting customer and/or device. For example, therequesting user interface device may record a GPS coordinate or pick upa location beacon signal (e.g. smart LED) and provide that informationto the system along with the ride request. In some embodiments, thecustomer may specify a time and/or pickup location for the requestedride. For example, prior to arriving at the store, the customer mayreserve a passenger carrier and have that passenger carrier meet them inthe parking lot when they arrive. In some embodiments, the system maycontinue to receive location information from the requesting device todetermine when the customer will arrive at the store and where thecustomer should be picked up. The recorded location information may alsobe used at the end of the shopping trip to return the customer to theirstarting point, which may correspond to where they parked their vehicle.In some embodiments, in step 715, the system stores an initial locationfor the customer, which may correspond to one or more of: a location ofthe customer when the customer makes the ride request, a location of thecustomer when the customer boards the passenger carrier, and a locationwhere a customer vehicle is parked.

In step 715, the control circuit selects an MTU from a plurality of MTUsand a passenger carrier from a plurality of passenger carriers in thesystem. In some embodiments, the passenger carrier and MTU combinationthat can be provided to the customer in the shortest amount of time maybe selected. The time it takes for a passenger carrier to be brought toa customer may be estimated based on one or more of the customer'slocation, the location of the passenger carrier, the location of theMTU, length of the path of travel, congestion conditions of the path oftravel, etc. In some embodiments, if the customer makes a ride requestto an MTU already assigned to the customer, the system may use theassigned MTU to retrieve a passenger carrier and provide passengertransport. In some embodiments, if the ride request includes a selectionof a specific type of passenger carrier, the system may select apassenger carrier according to the selection. In some embodiments, theride request in step 710 may include an indication of the number ofpassengers in the party. The system may then select a passenger carrierwith sufficient carrying capacity to accommodate the entire party. Insome embodiments, idle passenger carriers may be stored in a passengercarrier parking area such as a cart bay. The system may instruct the MTUto attach itself to the first accessible passenger carrier in thecarrier parking area. In some embodiments, if a shopping space includestwo or more passenger carrier parking areas, the system may furtherselect a carrier parking area based on one or more of the MTU'slocation, store traffic condition, the pickup location, etc. In someembodiments, the system may select a specific type of passenger carrierfrom the available carriers based on one or more of user request, userdemographic information, stored user shopping habit, user location, etc.

In some embodiments, in step 715, the system may determine that theselected passenger carrier requires two or more MTUs to transport andselect the required number of MTUs. For example, power from two MTUs maybe needed to carry a multi-passenger carrier at its maximum capacity. Insuch case, the system may instruct two MTUs to travel to the samepassenger carrier and attach to the passenger carrier at differentlocations (e.g. front right and front left). The system may theninstruct the two MTUs to simultaneously provide locomotion to thepassenger carrier.

In step 720, the system provides instructions to the MTU selected instep 715 to travel to the selected passenger carrier and attach to thepassenger carrier. The instructions may include a current location ofthe passenger carrier and/or a passenger carrier parking area. In someembodiments, the instructions may include real-time route guidance. Whenthe MTU arrives at the passenger carrier, the MTU attaches itself to thecarrier. In some embodiments, the MTUs may attach to a passenger carrierwith similar means and methods as those used for carrying a shoppingcart. In some embodiments, the MTU may include attachment means such asa magnet, a hook, a latch, a wedge, etc. for coupling with the passengercarrier. Generally, the MTU and the passenger carrier may be coupledthrough any known coupling means. In some embodiments, the attachmentmotion may be guided by one or more sensors on the MTU. For example, thepassenger carrier may include markers to help the MTU orient and alignitself for proper attachment. In some embodiments, the carrier parkingarea may include guides for attaching and/or detaching MTUs andpassenger carriers.

In step 725, the system instructs the MTU to bring the passenger carrierto the location of the requesting customer and/or requesting device. Thelocation of the customer may be manually entered by the customer and/orbe based on the location information of the requesting device. In someembodiments, the system may provide real-time route guidance to the MTU.In some embodiments, the system may keep track of the current locationof the customer and update the instruction to the MTU accordingly suchthat the MTU is able to “catch up” with the customer if the customercontinues to move after making the request in step 710. After the MTUarrives at the customer's location, the MTU may become assigned to thecustomer and only receives commands associated with the customer duringthe shopping trip. In some embodiments, the MTU may be instructed tocarry the passenger based on one or more of a customer voice command, acustomer selected destination, a customer shopping list, store arearestrictions, a customer profile, and store promotions.

In some embodiments, the MTU may request passenger authentication priorto providing transport to the boarded passenger to ensure that thepassenger is the customer that requested the ride. For example, thesystem may provide a passcode to the requesting user device. Thecustomer may be required to enter or scan in the passcode before the MTUwould accept commands from the customer. In some embodiments, the systemmay prompt the customer to scan a code and/or a RFID tag on the MTUand/or passenger carrier with their user device to confirm that they areboarding the correct passenger carrier.

In some embodiments, after step 725, the MTU may enter into a passengertransport mode in which the MTU would only accept a set of commandsassociated with the mode. For example, the MTU may accept commands totravel to a section, an item, a point of interest within the shoppingspace (e.g. “go to checkout counter,” “take me to apples,” etc.) but maynot permit direct directional or steering control (e.g. “go forward,”“turn right,” “speed up,” etc.) from the customer. In some embodiments,a customer may enter a list of items they wish to purchase and thesystem may automatically select a route for the customer based on theirshopping list. Generally, the route may take the customer by every itemon their shopping list. In some embodiments, the route may further takethe customer to areas with items the customer may be interested inpurchasing but are not on the shopping list. The system may select itemsthe customer may be interested in purchasing based on one or more of thecustomer's past purchase history, the customer's demographic, theentered shopping list, store discounts, etc. If more than one passengeris transported by a carrier, the system may combine one or more of thepassengers' shopping list, preference, purchase history, anddemographics in determining a route for the group transported by theMTU. In some embodiments, the route may further take into accountreal-time congestion conditions in the shopping space. In someembodiments, the MTU may be instructed to travel according to a defaultroute that takes the customer through frequented sections of the store.In some embodiments, an MTU may only provide transportation in theparking lot and only carry the passengers between the front door of thestore and their vehicle. In some embodiments, the MTU may providetransportation between a public transportation station (e.g. a bus stop,a subway exit, etc.) and the store. In such embodiments, the MTU mayautomatically transport the passenger either to or from the storewithout further input from the passenger. In some embodiments, an MTUmay be configured to respond to two or more ride requests. For example,the system may receive requests from multiple customers in the parkinglot that wishes to be brought to the store. The system may instruct theMTU to pick up each passenger at their requested pickup location andbring them to the store in the same passenger carrier. In someembodiments, the same or a different MTU may continue to transport thecustomers inside the store.

In some embodiments, after step 725, the MTU may be instructed to bringthe customer back to the location where the passenger was picked up. Forexample, if the customer was picked up near his/her vehicle, the systemmay record the location of the customer's vehicle and return thecustomer back to the vehicle at the end of his/her shopping trip. Insome embodiments, after the passenger is dropped off, the MTU may beinstructed to return the passenger carrier back to a carrier parkingarea. The MTU may be further instructed to detach from the passengercarrier in the carrier storage area. After the MTU is detached from thepassenger carrier, the system may assign other types of tasks describedherein to the MTU. For example, the MTU may be instructed to escort awalking customer, clean a spill, scan shelves, carry a shopping cart,etc.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a passenger carrier driven by MTUsaccording to some embodiments. The passenger carrier 810 includes a setof non-motorized wheels 812 and is coupled to MTUs 850 and 852 thattogether provide locomotion to the passenger carrier 810. The passengercarrier 810 is shown to be pulled by two MTUs 850 and 852. In someembodiments, the number of MTUs used to drive a passenger carrier may bebased on the weight of the passenger carrier and passengers. Forexample, some passenger carriers may be configured to be driven by onlyone MTU. In some embodiments, the MTUs may couple to the passengercarrier 810 by partially lifting one end of the passenger carrier 810.In some embodiments, the passenger carrier 810 may couple to the MTU byone or more of a magnet, a hook, a latch, a wedge, and the like. In someembodiments, the passenger carrier 810 also comprises a couplingmechanism for coupling with the MTU(s) at the designated location. Insome embodiments, the MTUs may couple to the front, back, and/or sideportions of the passenger carrier 810. Generally, the passenger carriermay be driven by the MTUs 850 and 852 based on instructions receivedfrom a central server. In some embodiments, at least one of the MTUs 850and 852 may be communicatively coupled to the passenger carrier 810 tocontrol one or more input/output devices on the passenger carrier. Forexample, the MTU may be configured to control one or more of turn andbreak signals, backup alarms, speakers, microphones, and/or displays onthe passenger carrier. The communication link between the MTU and thepassenger carrier that allows for the control of the input/outputdevices on the passenger carrier may be part of the mechanical couplingmechanism and/or be a wireless communication link. While the passengercarrier 810 shown in FIG. 8 includes two rows of seats and a protectiveroof, passenger carriers with other carrying capacities andconfigurations may be used in the described system without departingfrom the spirit of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a process for providing passenger transportwith MTUs. In some embodiments, the steps in FIG. 9 may be implementedby one or more components of the systems shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 6. Instep 921, the customer requests a vehicle and provides a pick uplocation, such as he/her parking spot. In step 901, the central computerverifies the request and checks for MTU and passenger carrieravailability. The availability of MTUs and passenger carriers may bebased on the requested carrier type and/or the number of passengersneeding a ride. In step 911, a store associate or a colleague approvesor declines the request. Step 911 may also be options. In someembodiments, the central computer may be configured to automaticallyapprove or decline the request based on the customer's stored profileand/or MTU and carrier availability. For example, some customers mayhave preapproval to use mobility assistance services and the system mayautomatically approve any request from the preapproved customers. If therequest is declined, in step 923, the declined request is explained tothe customer.

If the ride request is approved, in step 903, the central computercreates a task assignment based on the request. In step 905, the centralcomputer further determines recommended destination, route, and/orschedule for the customer. The recommended destination, route, and/orschedule may be based on one or more of a customer entered shoppinglist, a customer purchase history, a customer profile, a customerdemographic, and store congestion condition, etc. In step 913, a storeassociate may optionally manually modify the route and destination.

In step 931, the MTU is instructed to retrieve a passenger carrier forthe customer. In some embodiments, the passenger carriers are stored ina carrier bay and the MTU is instructed to travel to the carrier bay. Instep 941, a passenger carrier is hooked up with the MTU. The MTU maythen travel to the requesting customer. In step 933, the MTU follows thepath and schedule provided by the central computer once the requestingcustomer has boarded. In some embodiments, during step 933, the centralcomputer continues to provide real-time navigation instructions to theMTU.

In step 925, the customer gives commands and/or requests for help whilebeing carried by the passenger carrier driven by the MTU. If thecustomer requested assistance in step 925, in step 915, an associate maybe notified to provide help to the customer. If the customer makes avoice command, in step 935, the MTU performs voice recognition andresponds to the voice commands. In some embodiments, in step 935, theMTU relays the voice command to the central computer and the centralcomputer may determine how the MTU should respond to the command fromthe customer. For example, the user may request to be brought to anitem, brought to a store feature (e.g. customer service counter,checkout counter, restroom, etc.), or end the shopping trip. The centralcomputer system may determine a new route for the MTU based on thecustomer input. In some embodiments, the central computer system maydetermine that the requested action is not permissible in the transportmode of the MTU and would notify the customer via MTU. In someembodiments, a customer command may be entered either through voicecommand or through a user interface device such as a portable userdevice.

At the conclusion of a shopping trip, in step 937, the MTU may returnthe customer to the starting point, which may be his/her parking spot.The location of the parking spot may be the location provided andrecorded in step 921. In step 943, the MTU may bring the passengercarrier back to a carrier bay and the carrier detaches from the MTU.After the passenger carrier is detached, in step 907, the centralcomputer may give the MTU new tasks based upon other requests. Forexample, the MTU may be instructed to escort another customer who iswalking in the shopping space, to collect abandoned shopping carts, toclean up a spill, etc.

In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein usefulfor providing passenger transport. In some embodiments, a system forproviding passenger transport includes a plurality of passengercarriers, a plurality of motorized transport units each configured tomechanically couple at least one of the plurality of passenger carriers,and a central computer system communicatively coupled to the pluralityof motorized transport units. The central computer system beingconfigured to receive a ride request from a customer, instruct amotorized transport unit to travel to a passenger carrier and couple tothe passenger carrier, and instruct the motorized transport unit coupledto the passenger carrier to travel to the customer to providetransportation to the customer.

In some embodiments, a method for providing passenger transport isprovided. The method comprises receiving, at a central computer system,a ride request from a customer, selecting, by the central computersystem, a motorized transport unit from a plurality of motorizedtransport units and a passenger carrier from a plurality of passengercarriers, instructing the motorized transport unit to travel to thepassenger carrier and mechanically couple to the passenger carrier, andinstructing the motorized transport unit coupled to the passengercarrier to travel to the customer.

In some embodiments, an apparatus for providing passenger transport isprovided. The apparatus comprising a wireless transceiver configured tocommunicate wirelessly with a central computer system, a motorized wheelsystem, a coupling structure for mechanically coupling with passengercarriers, and a control circuit coupled to the wireless transceiver andthe motorized wheel system, the control circuit being configured tocause the apparatus to: travel, using the motorized wheel system, to apassenger carrier, couple to a passenger carrier apparatus via thecoupling structure, travel, using the motorized wheel system, to apassenger location for passenger pickup, and travel through a shoppingspace based on instructions received from the central computer systemvia the wireless transceiver.

In accordance with some embodiments, further details are now providedfor one or more of these and other features. For example, generallyspeaking, pursuant to various embodiments, systems, apparatuses,processes and methods are provided herein that enable a shoppingfacility assistance system and method to retrieve in-store abandonedmobile item containers.

By one approach the aforementioned central computer system is configuredto identify a mobile item container physically inside a retail shoppingfacility as being abandoned. The central computer system then directs aparticular one of the aforementioned plurality of motorized transportunits through the retail shopping facility to the abandoned mobile itemcontainer and causes that motorized transport unit to physically attachto the abandoned mobile item container. The central computer system thendirects that motorized transport unit through the retail shoppingfacility with the attached abandoned mobile item container to aspecified destination within the retail shopping facility.

By one approach the central computer system identifies a mobile itemcontainer as being a candidate abandoned mobile item container, at leastin part, based on video information of the retail shopping facility. Thecentral computer system can determine that a candidate mobile itemcontainer is abandoned as a function, at least in part, of determiningthat the mobile item container is both stationary and unattended for atleast a predetermined amount of time.

By one approach the central computer system can use differentpredetermined amounts of time when assessing abandonment depending uponwhere in the retail shopping facility the mobile item containers arelocated. For example, the central computer system can use shorterpredetermined amounts of time when assessing abandonment of mobile itemcontainers located in a low traffic area as compared to mobile itemcontainers that are located in a high traffic area such as a shoppingaisle.

These teachings are highly flexible in practice and will accommodate awide variety of modifications and embellishments. As one example offlexibility, by one approach the central computer system is configuredto determine the aforementioned specified destination to which anabandoned mobile item container shall be returned as a function, atleast in part, of whether the abandoned mobile item container containsany items. For example, when the abandoned mobile item container isempty of any items the central computer system can specify an empty cartdeployment area as the specified destination. Conversely, when theabandoned mobile item container contains one or more items, the centralcomputer system can specify a cart processing area (such as but notlimited to a customer service area of the retail shopping facility) asthe specified destination to which the abandoned mobile item containershall be taken.

So configured, abandoned in-store mobile item containers can be readilyand quickly identified and returned safely to an appropriate deploymentand/or processing area. Suitably employed, these teachings can greatlymitigate the problems associated with abandoned mobile item containerswithout necessitating a concurrent undue dedication of human resources.

FIG. 10 presents an illustrative process 1000 that accords with many ofthese teachings. This process 1000 can be carried out by the centralcomputer system 106 described above. For the sake of an illustrativeexample this description will presume the mobile item container to be astandard wheeled shopping cart. It will be understood, however, that thespecifics corresponding to such an example are not intended to suggestany particular limitations with respect to the scope of these teachings.

At block 1001 the central computer system 106 identifies a mobile itemcontainer 104 in a retail shopping facility 101 as being abandoned. FIG.11 provides further details as to how the central computer system 106carries out this identification. No particular limitations are intendedby way of the specificity of this example.

With continued reference to FIG. 11 and with reference as well to FIG.12, at block 1101 the central computer system 106 processes data toidentify mobile item containers 104 in the retail shopping facility 101.By one optional approach the central computer system 106 identifiesmobile item containers 104 in the retail shopping facility 101, at leastin part, based on video information. That video information can beprovided, for example, by video cameras 118 that are positioned suchthat at least a part of the captured field of views include at leastsome parts of the retail shopping facility 101. In such a case thecentral computer system 106 can have access to image processing and/orpattern-matching programs that facilitate identifying a particularobject in a field of view as comprising a mobile item container 104, acustomer 1201, an item in a mobile item container 104, and so forth.Such image processing and pattern-matching comprises a known area ofprior art endeavor. As the present teachings are not particularlysensitive to any particular selections in these regards, furtherelaboration is not provided here regarding such techniques.

By another approach, used in combination with the foregoing or in lieuthereof, the central computer system 106 identifies mobile itemcontainers 104 in the retail shopping facility 101, at least in part,based on external-environment sensor information provided by theaforementioned location detection system 116 or one or more of theplurality of motorized transport units 102. Such external-environmentsensor information can be developed, for example, by an on-board sensor414 as described above that specifically serves in these regards. As onesimple example in these regards, the mobile item containers 104 may beequipped with RFID tags or other close-range transponders ortransmitters that the aforementioned on-board sensor 414 can detect andprovide to the central computer system 106 as the aforementionedexternal-environment sensor information.

At decision block 1102, the central computer system 106 determineswhether a mobile item container 104 identified when processing the dataas described above constitutes a candidate abandoned mobile itemcontainer 104. By one approach, this determination can be based upondetermining both that the mobile item container 104 is stationary andthat no one is presently sufficiently proximal to that mobile itemcontainer 104.

These teachings will accommodate various approaches as to whatconstitutes that sufficient proximity. By one approach, for example, thecentral computer system 106 may consider any stationary mobile itemcontainer 104 to be a candidate unless someone is presently touchingthat mobile item container 104. By another approach, the centralcomputer system 106 may consider an untouched stationary mobile itemcontainer 104 to not yet be a candidate so long as someone is at leastwithin some predetermined distance of the mobile item container 104(such as, for example, 1 cm, 5 cm, 10 cm, 1 m, or some other suitabledistance of choice).

When not true (i.e., the mobile item container 104 does not meet thecentral computer system's 106 criteria for potentially being consideredabandoned), the central computer system 106 can continue with theaforementioned data processing activity to thereby continue to identifymobile item containers 104 in the retail shopping facility 101. By wayof an illustrative example, and referring to FIG. 12, the centralcomputer system 106 so considers the mobile item container 104 denotedby the alphabetic character A and determines that a person 1201 issufficiently close to this mobile item container A to precludecharacterizing this otherwise-stationary mobile item container A asbeing a candidate abandoned movable item container.

When true, however, the central computer system 106, at block 1103, setsa time flag for each candidate abandoned mobile item container 104. Thispermits the central computer system 106 to track how long a particularstationary mobile item container 104 remains stationary. Skipping aheadin FIG. 11, at decision block 1106 the central computer system 106 candetermine from time to time whether some corresponding time thresholdhas expired. If the time threshold is five minutes, for example, thisactivity comprises determining whether five minutes or more have elapsedsince the aforementioned time flag was set for a particular stationarymovable item container 104.

If the time threshold has not yet expired the central computer system106 then determines, at block 1107, whether the movable item container104 has been moved. When the movable item container 104 has remainedstationary, the central computer system 106 continues to monitor for thepassing of time and movement of the movable item container 104 as justdescribed. If, however, the central computer system 106 determines thatthe monitored movable item container 104 has been moved, the centralcomputer system clears the previously set time flag at block 1108 andcontinues with this process 1001.

By way of an illustrative example, and referring to FIG. 12, the centralcomputer system 106 so monitors the mobile item container 104 denoted bythe alphabetic character B for movement after having identified thismobile item container B as being a candidate abandoned mobile itemcontainer and prior to determining that a corresponding time thresholdhas expired. Upon detecting that this mobile item container B moves (asrepresented by the phantom representation of this mobile item containerB) during this monitoring interval, and as per the process 1001illustrated in FIG. 11, the central computer system 106 clears thepreviously set time flag for this mobile item container B andeffectively clears this mobile item container B from the pool ofcandidates. If the mobile item container B again meets the criteriadescribed above, the central computer system 106 will again treat themobile item container B as a candidate and begin anew the aforementionedmonitoring activity.

When the candidate mobile item container 104 remains stationary for therequisite period of time, at block 1109 the central computer system 106identifies the candidate mobile item container 104 as being abandoned.By way of an illustrative example, and referring again to FIG. 12, thecentral computer system 106 so monitors the mobile item container 104denoted by the alphabetic character C and detects that this mobile itemcontainer C has remained stationary for the requisite period of time andtherefore now identifies this mobile item container C as beingabandoned.

As noted above, the central computer system 106 can identify a candidatemobile item container 104 as being abandoned as a function of how longthe candidate mobile item container 104 has remained stationary. By oneapproach this can comprise, for example, using shorter predeterminedamounts of time when assessing abandonment for mobile item containers104 located in a low traffic area for mobile item containers 104 and/orcustomers than when assessing abandonment of mobile item containers 104located in higher traffic areas such as, for example, shopping aisles.

By way of an illustrative example, and referring again to FIG. 12, thecentral computer system 106 might employ a time threshold of, say, 15minutes when assessing abandonment of mobile item container C whichhappens to be located in a low traffic area of the retail shoppingfacility 101 and a time threshold of, say, five minutes when assessingabandonment of mobile item container D which happens to be located in ahigh traffic area of the retail shopping facility 101.

Accordingly, and referring again to FIG. 11, this process 1001 caninclude the optional activity shown at block 1104 where the centralcomputer system 106 determines the location of a candidate mobile itemcontainer 104 (at least to the extent of determining whether thecandidate mobile item container 104 is in a low traffic or high trafficarea) followed by optional block 1105 where the central computer system106 selects a location-based time threshold as a function of thepreviously-determine the location of the candidate mobile item container104. The central computer system 106 can then carry out the other stepsof this process 1001 as described above albeit with aparticularly-chosen time threshold that has been selected as a functionof the location of the candidate mobile item container 104.

Referring again to FIG. 10 and with continued reference to FIG. 12, uponhaving identified a mobile item container 104 in a retail shoppingfacility 101 as being abandoned at block 1001 as described above, thecentral computer system 106 can, at block 1002, direct a motorizedtransport unit 102 through the retail shopping facility 101 to theabandoned mobile item container. In the example of FIG. 12, the centralcomputer system 106 has determined that the mobile item container D isabandoned and has directed a motorized transport unit 102 to travel tothe mobile item container D as represented by the arrow denoted byreference numeral 1202. As described above, the central computer system106 can communicate with the motorized transport unit 102 to communicatesuch an instruction via an available wireless network connection.

By one approach the central computer system 106 simply provides adestination to this motorized transport unit 102. By another approachthe central computer system 106 provides step-by-step movementinstructions to the motorized transport unit 102 to thereby guide themotorized transport unit 102 to the location of the abandoned mobileitem container D.

At block 1003 the central computer system 106 also causes the motorizedtransport unit 102 to physically attach to the abandoned mobile itemcontainer D as described above.

At block 1004 the central computer system 106 directs (again via anavailable wireless network connection as described above) the motorizedtransport unit 102 through the retail shopping facility 101 with theattached abandoned mobile item container D to a specified destinationwithin the retail shopping facility 101. By one approach the centralcomputer system 106 determines this specified destination as a function,at least in part, of whether the abandoned mobile item containercontains any items. When the abandoned mobile item container is empty ofitems, for example, the central computer system 106 may specify that themotorized transport unit 102 bring the mobile item container to an emptycart deployment area as the specified destination. An empty cartdeployment area can comprise, for example, a shopping cart bay whereshopping carts are organized and otherwise made available to customersarriving at the retail shopping facility 101.

When, however, the mobile item container contains one or more items(such as un-purchased items that were removed from their respectivedisplays and into the mobile item container by a customer and/orpersonal items that might belong to a customer that has now left thepremises) the central computer system 106 can instead direct themotorized transport unit 102 to take the abandoned mobile item containerto a cart processing area such as a customer service area 1204 of theretail shopping facility 101. FIG. 12 illustrates such an action by thearrow denoted by reference numeral 1203 which represents that themotorized transport unit 102 is taking the mobile item container D tothe aforementioned customer service area 1204.

A customer service area can comprise, for example, an area of a retailshopping facility 101 that provides one or more services to a customerother than serving primarily as a point of sale. Customer service areasoften serve as one of their primary functions to process the return ofpreviously-purchased goods by customers, gift recipients, and so forth.Accordingly, customer service areas often gather items that need to bereturned back into inventory, which items are often temporarily storedin one or more mobile item containers 104. This being so, a customerservice area can serve as a useful, efficient, and helpful area toreceive an abandoned mobile item container 104 that includes one or moreitems contained therein.

So configured, a shopping facility assistance system can help to preventabandoned shopping carts from impeding customer and/or associatemovement for an undue length of time. These same teachings can also helpto minimize or at least reduce the amount of time that an item removedfrom its display is otherwise unavailable to be purchased by aninterested customer.

Some embodiments provide shopping facility assistance systems thatcomprise a plurality of motorized transport units configured to movethrough a retail shopping facility, and a central computer system havinga network interface such that the central computer system wirelesslycommunicates with the plurality of motorized transport units. Thecentral computer system is configured to identify a mobile itemcontainer inside the retail shopping facility as being abandoned; directa particular one of the plurality of motorized transport units throughthe retail shopping facility to the abandoned mobile item container;cause the particular one of the plurality of motorized transport unitsto physically attach to the abandoned mobile item container; and direct,via a wireless network connection, the particular one of the pluralityof motorized transport units through the retail shopping facility withthe attached unattended mobile item container to a specified destinationwithin the retail shopping facility. In some applications, the mobileitem container comprises a wheeled shopping cart. The central computersystem may be configured to identify the mobile item container in theshopping facility as being abandoned, at least in part, based on videoinformation of the retail shopping facility. In some instances, at leastsome of the plurality of motorized transport units include at least oneexternal-environment sensor and wherein the central computer system isfurther configured to identify the mobile item container in the retailshopping facility as being abandoned, at least in part, based onexternal-environment sensor information provided by at least one of theplurality of motorized transport units.

In some embodiments, the central computer system is configured toidentify a mobile item container as being abandoned as a function, atleast in part, of determining that the mobile item container is bothstationary and unattended for at least a predetermined amount of time.The central computer system, in some applications, uses differentpredetermined amounts of time when assessing abandonment of mobile itemcontainers depending upon where in the retail shopping facility themobile item containers are located. In some embodiments, the centralcomputer system may use shorter predetermined amounts of time whenassessing abandonment of mobile item containers located in a low trafficarea for mobile item containers than when assessing abandonment ofmobile item containers located in shopping aisles. The central computersystem may determine the specified destination as a function, at leastin part, of whether the abandoned mobile item container contains anyitems. In some applications, the central computer system specifies anempty cart deployment area as the specified destination when theabandoned mobile item container is empty of any items.

In some embodiments, the central computer system specifies a cartprocessing area as the specified destination when the abandoned mobileitem container contains any items. In some instances, the cartprocessing area can comprise a customer service area of the retailshopping facility.

Some embodiments provide methods comprising: by a central computersystem: identifying a mobile item container in a retail shoppingfacility as being abandoned; directing, via a wireless networkconnection, a motorized transport unit through the retail shoppingfacility to the abandoned mobile item container; causing the motorizedtransport unit to physically attach to the abandoned mobile itemcontainer; directing, via a wireless network connection, the motorizedtransport unit through the retail shopping facility with the attachedabandoned mobile item container to a specified destination within theretail shopping facility. The central computer system, in someinstances, is configured to identify the mobile item container in theretail shopping facility as being abandoned by, at least in part, usingvideo information of the retail shopping facility.

In some embodiments the central computer system is configured toidentify a mobile item container as being abandoned by, at least inpart, determining that the mobile item container is both stationary andunattended for at least a predetermined amount of time. The centralcomputer system, in some implementations, may use differentpredetermined amounts of time when assessing abandonment of mobile itemcontainers depending upon where in the retail shopping facility themobile item containers are located. Similarly, in some embodiments, thecentral computer system may use shorter predetermined amounts of timewhen assessing abandonment of mobile item containers located in a lowtraffic area for mobile item containers than when assessing abandonmentof mobile item containers located in shopping aisles.

Some embodiments provide methods where a central computer systemdetermines the specified destination as a function, at least in part, ofwhether the abandoned mobile item container contains any items. Thecentral computer system may specify an empty cart deployment area as thespecified destination when the abandoned mobile item container is emptyof any items. In some applications, the central computer systemspecifies a cart processing area as the specified destination when theabandoned mobile item container contains any items. In some instances,the cart processing area comprises a customer service area of the retailshopping facility.

In accordance with some embodiments, further details are now providedfor one or more of these and other features. For example, generallyspeaking, pursuant to various embodiments, systems, apparatuses,processes and methods are provided herein that help customers findproducts within a shopping facility. In many instances, the shoppingfacility may include thousands of different products spaced through arelatively large area. Accordingly, it can often be difficult and/ortime consuming for a customer to locate a product of interest. It isimportant for a customer to be able to find an item in order to make abuying decision. Typically, a customer knows what, at least generally,she/he is looking for. Often times, however, customers do not know whereto find the product within the shopping facility. In some instances,when an item cannot be found a customer may ask an associate or leavethe store without making a purchase. This creates additional work for anassociate, as well as cost the customer valuable shopping time. If thecustomer is unable to locate a product or takes too long to locate aproduct the customer may leave unsatisfied and heading to a competitorlocation in order to find the item they are looking for.

The central computer system and/or an inventory database maintainslocation information of available products, and can readily obtainlocation information for items in the shopping facility, and can evenlet a customer know when a product is out of stock and/or not carried atthe shopping facility. Further, some embodiments utilize the motorizedtransport units 102 to interact with customers and locate for customerstheir products of interest within the shopping facilities.

FIG. 13 illustrates a simplified flow diagram of an exemplary process1300 of providing a customer with product location information, inaccordance with some embodiments. In step 1302, a request is receivedfrom a customer requesting location information for a requested item.Typically, the request is receive through a motorized transport unit,such as through a verbal request from a customer that is detected by avoice recognition and/or an audio system of the motorized transportunit. In other instances, the customer may type in the request throughone or more buttons or displayed buttons and/or options (e.g., displayedkey board). Similarly, in some instances, the customer may communicatethe customer inquiry through a user interface unit 114, such as throughan audio communication, a text message, an email, a selection through anAPP implemented on the user interface unit, or the like.

In many instances, the item identified by the customer may not be aspecifically identified product. Accordingly, in step 1304 it isdetermined whether the item being requested is a specific product thatis specifically distinguishable from other similar products. Thisdetermination includes an evaluation of information provided by thecustomer in identifying the item. The evaluation in some instances caninclude extracting one or more terms, words, and the like and preforminga search through a listing, database and/or other such information.Again, voice recognition may be performed in identifying terms and/orparameters requested by the customer. The specific identification mayinclude a specific size and/or weight, a specific number of content, aspecific brand, and/or other such information that allows the centralcomputer system to specifically identify the product. In some instances,the customer may scan a bar code (e.g., using a scanner of the motorizedtransport unit), allow the motorized transport unit to capture an imageof the product of interest that is forwarded to the central computersystem to identify, the user may select the specific product through auser interface on the motorized transport unit or other interface (e.g.,through an APP on the customer's user interface unit, a kiosks at theshopping facility, etc.), receive a description via voice recognition,or otherwise provide specific information. When a specific product isidentified, the process advances to step 1312.

In step 1306, the request is evaluated and it is identified that therequested item is a category of items and not a specific product. Theidentification of a category may be based, for example, on a word searchthrough a listing and/or database, and the listing and/or database mayidentify a match as a category, the match may be associated withmultiple different specific products, or other such indication that therequest is a category of products. In such situations, typically, therequested item may correspond to multiple products that may be generallygrouped together through some relationship. Examples of categoriesinclude, but are not limited to, toys, action figures, dolls, balls,produce, fruit, vegetables, apples, cloths, shirts, shoes, swimsuits,books, electronics, games, and other such categories of products. Uponidentifying a category of products, category location information can beidentified that corresponds to the requested category. For example, acustomer may request “toys,” and the central computer system mayidentify location information based on the store mapping that includesthe location information of products within the store mapping (e.g., a2D and/or 3D mapping). The identified location information may be acentral location in a region of the shopping facility where a majorityof the category is found, a closest corner or other boundary of a regionclosest to the customer's current location of a region of the shoppingfacility where a majority of products of the category is located, alocation of a most popular product (e.g., most purchased over the lastdefined period of time) of the category of products, or other suchlocation information. Still further, in some instances, the locationinformation may be dependent on the customer who is asking for thelocation information. As such, some embodiments utilize customer profileinformation in identifying one or more products defined as being part ofthe category of products that the customer is more likely to be searchfor. Other factors may be taken into consideration in selecting categorylocation information.

In step 1308, routing instructions are communicated from the centralcomputer system to the motorized transport unit based on the categorylocation information. The routing instructions are configured to beimplemented by the motorized transport unit to cause the motorizedtransport unit to initiate physical movement through at least a portionof the shopping facility in moving toward the category location in theshopping facility. The route instructions may be a most direct route. Inother instances, however, the route may be based on the customer (e.g.,routing the customer by one or more products the customer oftenpurchases and/or is likely to purchase based on customer profileinformation), based on traffic in the shopping facility, other activityoccurring in the shopping facility (e.g., one or more isles are blockedbecause of restocking, clean-up, etc.), other such factors, orcombination of two or more of such factors. Additionally oralternatively, in some embodiments, the routing and/or a mapping may beprovided to the customer's user interface unit or another interfacedevice (e.g., on an item container). This mapping may cause a mapping ofat least a portion of the store to be displayed with a route that thecustomer can follow in reaching the intended location of the category ofproducts and/or a specific product. Details may additionally oralternatively be provided such as text describing the route (e.g.,proceed down isle 14, turn left at the first junction and turn right onisle 18).

In step 1310, the central computer system, based on the identifiedcategory, further communicates one or more species clarification inquiryinstructions to the motorized transport unit, the customer's userinterface unit, a user interface of an item container being driven bythe motorized transport unit or the like. The clarification inquiryinstructions configured to cause the motorized transport unit (or otherdevice) to present, while implementing routing instructions to movetoward the category location, one or more clarification inquiries to thecustomer in attempts to seek clarification in narrowing the identifiedcategory to one or more products or sub-categories categorized withinthe identified category that the customer is attempting to locate. Theclarification inquiry is typically audio output generated through aspeaker or the like. The customer can verbally respond with the audiosystem of the motorized transport unit detecting the audible response.The clarification inquiries may be identified from a listing associatedwith a requested category, based on the customer's previous shoppingpurchases, based on other customers' experiences from similar requests,and the like.

In some instances, multiple clarification inquiries may be sequentiallypresented to the customer with responses being forwarded to andevaluated by the central computer system in attempts to identify asub-category or products, or a specific product. In some instances, theprocess returns to step 1304 in determining whether a specific productis identified in a response to the clarification inquiry. Accordingly,one or more products of interest may be identified based on multipleclarification replies from the customer to multiple clarificationinquiries presented to the customer. When a specific product isidentified the process 1300 advances to step 1312 to identify locationinformation corresponding to the product of interest, and the locationinformation and/or routing instructions to the specific product locationcan be communicated and provided to the customer (e.g., communicated tothe motorized transport unit and/or the customer's user interface unit).When a sub-category is identified, some embodiments communicate refinedrouting instructions to a location corresponding to the sub-categorybased on the motorized transport unit's current location.

As such, the central computer system utilizes the motorized transportunit to enhance customer support by routing the customer through theshopping facility based on the category of products. While taking thecustomer through the shopping facility the system can attempt to furthernarrow down the product the customer is searching for. As such, thesystem does not waste the customer's time trying to identify thespecific product attempting to be found before starting to take thecustomer toward the region of the shopping facility most likelycontaining the product of interest. Further, moving the customer intothe shopping facility while trying to more accurately identify theproduct the customer is looking for can provide multiple advantages inaddition to saving the customer time. For example, one benefit is thatthe customer is moved away from an entrance and exit of the shoppingfacility and reduces traffic and avoids backing up and/or cluttering upthe entrance and exit. Another example is that the customer is movedinto the shopping facility where the customer is exposed to otherproducts the customer may be interested in purchasing and/or exposes thecustomer to additional marketing of products attempting to be sold.Still further, additional information may be obtained from the customerthat may be later used with the same customer in later visits and/orother customers that may present similar queries. Some embodiments mayadditionally collecting information regarding what customer are lookingfor (e.g., items the shopping facility may want to carry, items theshopping facility may want to move to a new location, identifying itemsthe shopping facility may want to feature, etc.).

Further, some embodiments are configured to identify, based on theidentified category and/or based on a reply from the customer to one ormore clarification inquiries, one or more products of interest. Based onthe one or more products of interest and from an inventory database, thecentral computer system can obtain identifying information of one ormore recommended companion products that correspond with the one or moreproducts of interest that the customer may further wish to purchase inrelation to one or more products categorized within the identifiedcategory. For example, when the customer may be attempting to purchase agift, one or more companion products may be proposed based on thecustomer buying a gift, such as wrapping paper, ribbon, card, and thelike. As another example, the customer may be attempting to purchase arazor, and one or more companion products may be identified such asreplacement blades, saving gel, aftershave, lotion and/or other suchcompanion products. Another example may include identifying the customeris looking for meat to cook for dinner, and one or more companionproducts may be identified that can be used in cooking the meat (e.g.,based on one or more proposed recipes), and/or one or more companionproducts that may be severed with the meat as part of a complete meal(e.g., vegetable, fruit, etc.). In some embodiments, a user profile ofthe customer is used in identifying the one or more companion productsso that the companion products selected are products the customer ismore likely to purchase. Similarly, the companion products may beproducts attempting to be marketed and/or pushed by the shoppingfacility (e.g., in trying to address overstock, products approachingexpiration, etc.). The identification of one or more companion productsmay be based on a listing that associates categories, sub-categories,and/or products with other products. For example, the inventory databasemay link one or more products together, categories may be associatedwith specific products or other categories and/or sub-categories, andthe like. Further, associations between products may be identified, forexample, based on recipes, customer's previous shopping history, basedon work projects (e.g., paint brushes when a customer purchases paint),and the like.

Upon identifying one or more companion products, the central computersystem may communicate a companion product instruction to the motorizedtransport unit and/or the customer's user interface unit. The companionproduct instruction causes the motorized transport unit and/or userinterface unit to propose the purchase of at least one of the companionproducts by presenting to the customer the identifying information of atleast one companion product. The proposed companion products can bepresented through audio output, through video content on a userinterface, text data, and the like, or a combination thereof.

Further, in some instances, the central computer system may obtainmarketing information regarding the category of products identified, oneor more products of interest, and/or one or more of the companionproducts. This marketing material may also be communicated to cause themotorized transport unit to present the marketing information whenproposing the at least one companion product to the customer. Again,this may be presented through audio, video, text, other suchpresentation, or combination. For example, the marketing material mayinclude identifying a price of the product, a price of the productcompared to a competitor's price, an explanation of how the companionproduct is utilized and/or beneficial in view of the product or categoryof interest, notifying the customer the product or companion product ison sale, and other such marketing.

The customer can respond to the offer of the one or more companionproducts by acknowledging an interest in purchasing the one or morecompanion products. The acknowledgment may be made through a verbalstatement (e.g., “yes”, “I would like to buy that”, “please take me tothat product”, etc.), by selecting a key or displayed option (e.g.,selecting a displayed “Yes” button), selecting an option on a userinterface unit, or through other such methods. In response to anacknowledgment of interest, some embodiments further identify companionproduct location information corresponding to each of the companionproducts for which the customer is interest. In some embodiments, therouting to the original category of interest and/or the identified ordetermined product of interest may include routing the customer throughthe shopping facility in such a way as to direct the customer by one ormore of the potential companion products. In some embodiments, thisrouting by a companion product can be performed regardless of whetherthe customer has expressed an interest in a companion product or not.Accordingly, the communication of the routing instructions to themotorized transport unit and/or a user interface unit may direct thecustomer to a location of a product of interest as well as a location ofthe at least one companion product.

Some embodiments further enhance customer support when directing thecustomer to a product of interest by identifying where the product canbe found on a shelf or other such product storage unit. Often a productof interest may be surrounded by numerous other similar products.Accordingly, the customer may still have some difficulty in finding theproduct of interest even though the customer has been directed to ortaken to a location where the product can be found. In someimplementations, based on information provided by the customer (e.g., ina response to the clarification inquiry) a product of interest may beidentified. The inventory database may be accessed to identify locationinformation corresponding to the product of interest with the locationinformation for the product of interest including an instruction and/ora visual representation of a vertical placement of the product ofinterest on a storage unit within the shopping facility relative to oneor more other surrounding products. This product placement may have beenobtained through previous three-dimensional (3D) scanning of the productstorage units, based on scans of products and receiving locationinformation so that the product can be mapped to the specific 3Dcoordinates within the shopping facility mapping, or other suchinformation, or a combination of two or more of such information.

The visual representation, for example, may be an image or video thatcan be displayed on a display of the motorized transport unit, acustomer's user interface unit, a user interface of an item container,or the like that shows the product on the shelf so that the customer,when reaching the location of the product can easily identify theproduct of interest. Additionally or alternatively, audio may begenerated explaining where the product is located on the storage unit(e.g., “third shelf up from the floor between the product X and theproduct Y”). The location information can be communicated to themotorized transport unit and/or the user interface unit such that thelocation information of the product of interest is provided to thecustomer including causing the visual representation of the verticalplacement of the product of interest to provided (e.g., displayed andvisible to the customer, audibly played, etc.). In some instances, thevisual representation may be provided to the customer's user interfaceunit or other display device (e.g., display on the motorized transportunit or item container), while the mapping and/or routing is onlyprovided to the motorized transport unit. Still further, in someinstances, the motorized transport unit may direct a light to illuminatethe product of interest (e.g., a laser pointer).

The visual representation may be a picture, an image or other renderingof a 3D scan of an area of the storage unit and the product of intereston the storage unit, a rendering of the product appropriately placed ona rendering of the storage unit, and the like. Further, in someinstances the visual representation further highlights the product ofinterest so that it stands out from surrounding products. For example,the product of interest may be shown in color while surrounding productsare in black and white or grey scale; a virtual square or otherdistinguishing boundary may be superimposed about the product ofinterest; illumination intensity may be increased along an outline ofthe products of interest; or other such indicators or distinctions, orcombination of such.

The routing instructions communicated to the motorized transport unitcause the motorized transport unit to initiate the instructions andimplement movement through the shopping facility toward the identifiedcategory, sub-category or product of interest. While the motorizedtransport unit is moving through the shopping facilities one or moreclarification inquiries can be communicated and presented to thecustomer and/or information about other products that the customer mightbe interested in may be provided as the motorized transport unit takesthe customer along the instructed route. Again, the routing may furtherinclude taking the customer by products that may not be specificallyrequested but that the customer is likely to also purchase, and/orproducts attempting to be marketed to customers. The additional productsmay be based on the product the customer is searching for, may be basedon customer's prior shopping history, other customers shopping history,products on sale or otherwise being marketed, and the like. The locationinformation may additionally or alternatively include mappinginformation and/or directions. The mapping or directions may becommunicated to the motorized transport unit, a customer's userinterface unit, an interface unit on an item container, or other suchdevice that can display the mapping, audibly present relevantinformation (e.g., directions) or otherwise present the information tothe customer.

The specialized product finding capabilities allows the system toidentify location information of a category of products and direct thecustomer to the category of products. Further, through one or morefollow up questions the central computer system may narrow down thepotential products and/or help the customer identify one or morespecific products of interest. In some instances, the central computersystem is capable of interpreting an item description, looking up therelevant location information within the store where the item should belocated, communication routing information and/or provide directions toa customer on how to get to the product. Some embodiments furtherutilize the visual (e.g., cameras, scanners, etc.) and voice recognitioncapabilities of the motorized transport units in attempting to identifyone or more products of interest. The motorized transport unit can beutilized and an interface to the central computer system allowingcustomers to ask questions and locate products (e.g., acting as ashopping facility telephone operator). For example, a customer may askthe motorized transport unit, “where are the iPhones”. The question maybe relayed to the central computer system that can identify the categoryand/or specific product and provide one or more answers (e.g., “Yes, wehave the lowest price for the iPhone 6. It's one dollar ninety five fora ten year contract. You can find it in the Electronics department . . .”). The motorized transport unit can take the customer to the locationor provide more detailed directions. Similarly, the central computersystem may communicate a mapping and/or route to the customer's userinterface unit (e.g., through an APP implemented on the customer's smartphone).

Again, in some instances, the central computer system may suggest one ormore additional products, or may even suggest a different item (based oncustomer knowledge), and suggest purchasing “cross sell” item(s) to gowith the product being sought (e.g., “you may also want to check out ourlarge assortment of iPhone cases just behind the electronics counter . .. ”). The central computer system can determine inventory based on areceived request. When a product not stocked on the sales floor themotorized transport unit can report this to the customer. Additionally,the central computer system may notify a worker to acquire the productand take it to the customer (e.g., based on a predefined location, basedon a location of the motorized transport unit while the customercontinues to shop with the assistance of the motorized transport unit,etc.), and/or instructs the worker to restock the sales floor productstorage unit. Similarly, when the product that the customer is lookingfor is out of stock or not carried by the shopping facility, the centralcomputer system can detect this and notify the customer. Informationabout when the product will back be in stack may also be provided,and/or one or more alternatives may be presented (e.g., based onsimilarities to the requested product, customer's response to one ormore clarification inquiries, customer's buying history, etc.). Stillfurther, in some instances, the central computer system may identifywhere the product may be acquired (e.g., from another store, through anon-line service, etc.), and may provide information such as pricing.

In some instances, marketing information and/or other information may beprovided to the customer regarding the category and/or productrequested, companion products or other products that the customer may beinterested in. Taking advantage of travel time through the store as themotorized transport unit guides the customer to a location of a categoryof products or one or more specific products, the central computersystem can provide product information and/or marketing informationabout the category of products, one or more products within the categoryof products, and other products. Such information may include customerratings of products in helping the customer identify a product thecustomer may want to purchase, most purchased products, pricinginformation, sales information, product marketing information (e.g.,differences about a product over other products), price comparisonsbetween other products and/or other retailers, and other suchinformation. For example, a customer and clarification inquiry exchangemay be similar to a customer asking “Where are the toys?”, with a replaysimilar to “Certainly, toys are located on isles 15-19, let me guideyou.”; as the motorized transport unit is guiding the customer aclarification inquiry may include “Are you looking for a toy for a boyor a girl?”; with the customer responding “a girl”; a subsequentclarification inquiry may be “How old is the girl?”; with the customerresponding “five.”; and one or more subsequent clarification inquiriesbeing further details about toys for five year old girls, such as “Thetop rated toy for girls age five is currently product G”, “The top threeselling toys for five year older girls through this shopping facilityare currently products G, H and J”, “May we recommend product K, whichis one of our most popular toys for girls age five and is on sale for$X”, or other such information. This exchange can occur while thecustomer is being guided through the shopping facility, saving thecustomer time and perhaps making selecting a product easier (againsaving the customer time). Again, in some instances, cross-marketing maybe presented, such as “Do you also need wrapping paper or a gift bag?”.

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a process of supportinga customer, in accordance with some embodiments. In step 1402, acustomer requests location information for an item. Again, the requestmay identify a specific product or a category of items. In step 1404,the motorized transport unit receives the request and forwards therequest to the central computer system 106. Using mapping informationand product inventory information, the central computer system in step1406 analyzes the request. The analysis can include identifying one ormore relevant search terms (e.g., by comparing terms to a listing ofrelevant and/or non-relevant terms), accessing a listing of products,categories, sub-categories, and/or other such organization of productinformation, initiating a search through a database, other suchevaluations, or a combination of two or more of such evaluations. Instep 1408, the motorized transport unit and/or the customer's userinterface unit communicates current location information. For example,in some instances, light identifiers are detected by one or more sensorsof the motorized transport unit, item container or the like andforwarded to the central computer system; location codes that arepositioned at known locations in the shopping facility are read andforwarded to the central computer system; movement sensor informationfrom movement sensors of the motorized transport unit can be provided tothe central computer system; and other such location information or acombinations of two or more of such information can be provided to thecentral computer system.

In step 1410, central computer system identifies a location of therequested category and/or product of interest. In some embodiments, thecentral computer system accesses an inventory database and acquires thelocation information. The location information of the customer and/ormotorized transport unit is used in combination with the location of thecategory, sub-category, product of interest in determining a route thatthe motorized transport unit is to travel and/or a route that is to berecommended to the customer. In step 1412, the routing instructions arecommunicated to the motorized transport unit to cause the motorizedtransport unit to travel through the shopping facility toward theintended category and/or product of interest. Additionally oralternatively, in some instances audio instructions are communicatedfrom the central computer system that cause the motorized transport unitto generate an audible output of directions that direct the customer tothe location of the category and/or desired product. Typically, themotorized transport unit, and in some instances a user interface unit,continue to communicate location information in step 1414 to the centralcomputer system allowing the central computer system to adjust routingif needed.

Some embodiments include step 1416 where the central computer systemevaluates one or more responses from the customer in identifying acategory of products and communicates one or more clarification inquiryinstructions to the motorized transport unit. In step 1418, themotorized transport unit presents the one or more inquiries to thecustomer (e.g., through audible output, display, user interface unit,etc.), and returns one or more responses to the central computer system.Often, the clarification inquiry is presented while the motorizedtransport unit is traveling through the shopping facility directing thecustomer to an intended location (e.g., category location). Further, anynumber of exchanges between the central computer system and themotorized transport unit (or user interface unit) may occur as thecentral computer system evaluates one or more responses and communicatesone or more follow up clarification inquiries.

In some instances, the central computer system may further adjust and/orchange routing instructions at step 1420 to redirect the motorizedtransport unit based on one or more factors such as, but not limited to,responses to clarification inquiries, congestion in the shoppingfacility, determined companion products, and the like. In step 1422, themotorized transport unit continues to lead the customer to the categoryand/or product of interest. In some embodiments, a mapping may bepresented to the customer in step 1424. Further, the customer can beasked in step 1426 whether the customer would like help in finding theproduct and/or to have the motorized transport unit take the customer tothe intended location. In step 1428, the central computer system mayidentify one or more companion products and/or other products to marketto the customer. In step 1430, the central computer system cancommunicate companion product instructions to the motorized transportunit to cause the motorized transport unit to propose the purchase of atleast one of the companion products by presenting to the customer theidentifying information of the at least one companion product (e.g.,audible output with the recommendation, displaying a recommendation,etc.). One or more of the steps and/or combinations of steps can berepeated until one or more products are found.

One or more motorized transport units can be called on at any time toassist a customer, worker or the like to locate an item within theshopping facility and route the customer to the item. Some embodimentsuse voice recognition to capture a request, and direct the request tothe central computer system that identifies the location of a categoryof items, items, a specific product, etc., and communicate locationinformation to the motorized transport unit, the customer's userinterface unit or the like. The central computer system may be furtherconfigured to evaluate and/or determine inventory based on the request.Further, a mapping may be displayed (e.g., through user interface),and/or communicated to a customer's user interface unit. Using thedetermine location information, the map may display the customer'scurrent location and the location of the category of products, aparticular product, etc., and a routing through the shopping facility.The routing may be a quickest path for the customer, based on a locationof one or more potential companion products, other products a customermay be interested in purchasing, etc. Further, the location informationmay include a representation, image (e.g., 2D or 3D image) of the shelfon which the requested product is placed to help the customer establishboth a horizontal and vertical position of the product. Some embodimentsmay further present marketing material (e.g., pricing, price comparison,benefits, ratings, etc.).

Again, the motorized transport unit is a multi-function device. In someinstances, the motorized transport unit, in addition to performing anitem location task and directing a customer to a product or category,the motorized transport unit may also be driving an item containerthrough the shopping facility for the customer. When not performing anitem location function, the motorized transport unit may perform othertasks, such as transport products from a back storage area, implementinga clean-up, transporting one or more item containers, and other suchtasks. As described above, the central computer system may communicatean item container instruction directing the motorized transport unit totemporarily cooperate with a movable item container. Further, themotorized transport unit may be cooperated with an item container suchthat the motorized transport unit in implementing routing instructionsdrives the item container toward one or more products categorized withinan identified category. The motorized transport unit may notify thecentral computer system when it has completed an item location task.

In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein usefulto enhance customer service. In some embodiments, a system comprises:multiple self-propelled motorized transport units; a wirelesscommunication network; and a central computer system that is separateand distinct from the multiple motorized transport units; wherein thecentral computer system comprises: a transceiver configured tocommunicate with the multiple motorized transport units located at theshopping facility; a control circuit coupled with the transceiver; and amemory coupled to the control circuit and storing computer instructionsthat when executed by the control circuit cause the control circuit to:receive, through a motorized transport unit, a request from a customerrequesting location information for a requested item; identify therequested item is a category of items and not a specific product, andidentify category location information corresponding to the requestedcategory; communicate routing instructions to the motorized transportunit based on the category location information causing the motorizedtransport unit to initiate physical movement; and communicate to themotorized transport unit a species clarification inquiry instructionconfigured to cause the motorized transport unit, while implementingrouting instructions to move toward the category location, to present aclarification inquiry to the customer seeking clarification in narrowingthe identified category to one or more products categorized within theidentified category.

Some embodiments provide methods of directing customers to productlocations within a shopping facility in response to a customer inquiry.In some embodiments, a method of providing customer assistancecomprises: by a control circuit: receiving, through a motorizedtransport unit at a shopping facility, a request from a customerrequesting location information for a requested item; identifying therequested item is a category of items and not a specific product, andidentifying category location information corresponding to the requestedcategory; communicating routing instructions to the motorized transportunit based on the category location information causing the motorizedtransport unit to initiate physical movement; and communicating to themotorized transport unit a species clarification inquiry instructionconfigured to cause the motorized transport unit, while implementingrouting instructions to move toward the category location, to present aclarification inquiry to the customer seeking clarification in narrowingthe identified category to one or more products categorized within theidentified category.

Some embodiments provide a system providing customer assistance at ashopping facility, comprising: multiple self-propelled motorizedtransport units; a wireless communication network; and a centralcomputer system that is separate and distinct from the multiplemotorized transport units; wherein the central computer systemcomprises: a transceiver configured to communicate with the multiplemotorized transport units located at the shopping facility; a controlcircuit coupled with the transceiver; and a memory coupled to thecontrol circuit and storing computer instructions that when executed bythe control circuit cause the control circuit to: receive, through amotorized transport unit, a request from a customer requesting locationinformation for a requested item; identify the requested item is acategory of items and not a specific product, and identify categorylocation information corresponding to the requested category;communicate routing instructions to the motorized transport unit basedon the category location information causing the motorized transportunit to initiate physical movement; and communicate to the motorizedtransport unit a species clarification inquiry instruction configured tocause the motorized transport unit, while implementing routinginstructions to move toward the category location, to present aclarification inquiry to the customer seeking clarification in narrowingthe identified category to one or more products categorized within theidentified category. In some implementations, the control circuit inexecuting the instructions is further configured to: identify, based ona reply from the customer to the clarification inquiry, one or moreproducts of interest; obtain, based on the one or more products ofinterest and from an inventory database, identifying information of oneor more recommended companion products that correspond with the one ormore products of interest that the customer may further wish to purchasein relation to one or more products categorized within the identifiedcategory; and communicate a companion product instruction to themotorized transport unit configured cause the motorized transport unitto propose the purchase of at least one of the companion products bypresenting to the customer the identifying information of the at leastone companion product.

Marketing information regarding the at least one companion product maybe obtained in some implementations, wherein the communication of thecompanion product instruction is further configured to cause themotorized transport unit to present the marketing information whenproposing the at least one companion product to the customer. Thecontrol circuit in executing the instructions can be configured to:identify companion product location information corresponding to the atleast one companion product; wherein the communicating the routinginstructions to the motorized transport unit directs the customer to alocation of a product of interest and a location of the at least onecompanion product.

In some embodiments, the control circuit in executing the instructionsis further configured to: identify, based on information provided by thecustomer in a response to the clarification inquiry, a product ofinterest; identify, as specified in an inventory database, locationinformation corresponding to the product of interest, wherein thelocation information for the product of interest comprises a visualrepresentation of a vertical placement of the product of interest on astorage unit within the shopping facility relative to one or more othersurrounding products; and cause the location information to becommunicated such that the location information of the product ofinterest is provided to the customer including causing the visualrepresentation of the vertical placement of the product of interest tobe displayed and visible to the customer. The control circuit, in someimplementations, is configured to: identify, based on multipleclarification replies from the customer to multiple clarificationinquiries presented to the customer, a product of interest; identify, asspecified in an inventory database, location information correspondingto the product of interest; and cause the location information to becommunicated such that the location information is provided to thecustomer. The control circuit in causing the location information to becommunicated may cause mapping information to be wirelessly communicatedto the customer's user interface unit to be displayed on the userinterface unit. In some implementations, the control circuit inexecuting the instructions is further configured to communicate an itemcontainer instruction directing the motorized transport unit totemporarily cooperate with a movable item container such that themotorized transport unit in implementing routing instructions drives theitem container toward the one or more products categorized within theidentified category.

Some embodiments provide a method of providing customer assistance at ashopping facility, comprising: by a control circuit: receiving, througha motorized transport unit at a shopping facility, a request from acustomer requesting location information for a requested item;identifying the requested item is a category of items and not a specificproduct, and identifying category location information corresponding tothe requested category; communicating routing instructions to themotorized transport unit based on the category location informationcausing the motorized transport unit to initiate physical movement; andcommunicating to the motorized transport unit a species clarificationinquiry instruction configured to cause the motorized transport unit,while implementing routing instructions to move toward the categorylocation, to present a clarification inquiry to the customer seekingclarification in narrowing the identified category to one or moreproducts categorized within the identified category. Some embodimentsidentify, based on a reply from the customer to the clarificationinquiry, one or more products of interest; obtaining, based on the oneor more products of interest and from an inventory database, identifyinformation of one or more recommended companion products thatcorrespond with the one or more products of interest that the customermay further wish to purchase in relation to one or more productscategorized within the identified category; and communicate a companionproduct instruction to the motorized transport unit configured cause themotorized transport unit to propose the purchase of at least one of thecompanion products by presenting to the customer the identifyinginformation of the at least one companion product.

In some instances, the method comprises obtaining marketing informationregarding the at least one companion product; wherein the communicatingthe companion product instruction is further configured to cause themotorized transport unit to present the marketing information whenproposing the at least one companion product to the customer. Someimplementations identify companion product location informationcorresponding to the at least one companion product; wherein thecommunicating the routing instructions to the motorized transport unitdirects the customer to a location of a product of interest and alocation of the at least one companion product. Some implementationsidentify, based on information provided by the customer in a response tothe clarification inquiry, a product of interest; identify, as specifiedin an inventory database, location information corresponding to theproduct of interest, wherein the location information for the product ofinterest comprises a visual representation of a vertical placement ofthe product of interest on a storage unit within the shopping facilityrelative to one or more other surrounding products; and cause thelocation information to be communicated such that the locationinformation of the product of interest is provided to the customerincluding causing the visual representation of the vertical placement ofthe product of interest to be displayed and visible to the customer.

In some embodiments, a method comprises: identifying, based multipleclarification replies from the customer to multiple clarificationinquiries presented to the customer, a product of interest; identifying,as specified in an inventory database, location informationcorresponding to the product of interest; and causing the locationinformation to be communicated such that the location information isprovided to the customer. The causing the location information to becommunicated, in some applications, comprises causes mapping informationto be wirelessly communicated to the customer's user interface unit tobe displayed on the user interface unit. Some embodiments communicate anitem container instruction directing the motorized transport unit totemporarily cooperate with a movable item container such that themotorized transport unit in implementing routing instructions drives theitem container toward the one or more products categorized within theidentified category.

In accordance with some embodiments, further details are now providedfor one or more of these and other features. For example, generallyspeaking, pursuant to various embodiments, systems, apparatuses,processes and methods are provided herein that enable restoring shoppingspace conditions is provided.

An MTU may be an intelligent robotic device capable of carrying outvarious tasks either alone, in conjunction with another MTU, or inconcert with a remote central system. An MTU with store cleanercapabilities allows store associates and/or a central computer system todirect the MTU to a specific location within the store for the purposeof performing clean up. Using cleaning equipment as well as multipleother assisting technologies on board, an MTU can drive itself tospecific location to restore the condition of a specific region of thestore floor. The MTU may use one or more of sensors, predeterminedroutes, boundaries, store map, intelligent tag, GPS, compass, smartdevice, and “bird's eye view” video analytics to carryout facility floorcleaning tasks.

The systems and methods described herein may support many situationsincluding searching, identifying, monitoring, and cleaning locations onthe store floor space, and alerting and communicating with a centralsystem and/or store associates regarding any detected spill condition.An MTU system with floor cleaning capabilities can function to increaseproductivity in a retail outlet or distribution center by enabling teamsto carry out more value added activities.

An MTU with cleaning capabilities may be configured to be directed to goto specific location within the store, identify specific area (the MTUmay also put signs around the area to be cleaned) at that specificlocation for the purpose of cleaning it, and alerting a storemanager/associate when the job is done or not. Multiple MTUs may beconfigured to collaborate to carry out a cleaning task. An automated MTUstore floor cleaner may be configured to follow instructions from acentral computer system and/or from an associate in store to carry outcleaning operation.

There may be times during the store operation hours when an area of thefloor of the facility become dirty/messy due to a spill of liquid orother things on the floor. A spill may prevent an in-store customersfrom freely navigating within the store. A spill can potentially be aconsiderable problem for store associates especially when there are lotsof customers to take care of but not enough associates in the store atthe time to go clean up the mess. Much time and effort is required forkeeping the facility floor in optimal condition where the customerswould feel safe and welcomed to shop within the store.

An MTU may attach itself with a cleaning part and travel to a dirtyfloor location. The MTU may then scan the floor to determine optimalcleaning steps. As an MTU determines the cleaning steps, it may seekcollaboration from other MTU. For example, an MTU may place a wet floorsign and/or a boundary around the dirty area so that the other MTU canreliably complete the cleaning steps. In some embodiments, the MTU mayalso seek assistance from store associates. While assistance from otherMTU may be utilized for more complex cleaning task, a single MTU mayperform some cleaning tasks on its own.

In some embodiments, floor spill cleaning may be a capability of an MTUthat responds to an associate request for spill clean-up. The associatemay input aisle number and closest module number into their smart deviceto request a spill cleaner MTU. In some embodiments, customers can alsonotify an MTU unit of a spill and the MTU may relay that information tothe central computer system to send a spill cleaner unit to the spillsite. In some embodiments, a spill detection system (e.g. a camerasystem for providing image for video analytics of the sales floor) maynotify the central computer of a stagnant obstacle and cause a spillcleaning unit to travel to the location of the obstacle. Spill cleanerfunctionality of the MTU system can function to simultaneously addresstwo problems. The first problem is when a spill occurs, an associate hasto stop what they are doing and guard the spill until maintenance canget there. A spill cleaner MTU can be utilized to reduce or eliminatethe wait time from when a call for maintenance is made to whenmaintenance arrives, which will shorten the time that an associate isnot working. Along with getting the associate back to their tasks, theMTU may also allow maintenance to continue with their designated task. Aspiller cleaner MTU may also help address the issue of shrink ininventory tracking. An MTU may be configured to automatically scan theinvisible/visible bar code(s) around the spill, process the label image,and/or read the RFID of the product when it cleans up the mess. Thegathered information may be automatically sent to the central computerand added to the claims log to update inventory information. Forexample, a spilled item may be reported as shrinkage and deducted fromthe inventory count. In some embodiments, if the MTU cannot detect thewasted product, it may notify an associate for assistance. The associatemay then override the scan or scan another whole product of the sametype and kind to report to the claims log.

The MTU may combine the use of a geo-location beacon (e.g. smart LED) tonavigate near a floor location, perform video analytics and objectdetection to identify a specific floor area of the spill, and place aboundary with placing signboards around the identified area. An MTU mayfurther be attached to or include cleaning parts for carrying outcleanup.

FIG. 15 illustrates a block diagram of a system 1500 for restoringshopping space conditions as configured in accordance with variousembodiments of these teachings. The system 1500 includes a centralcomputer system 1530 and an MTU 1520. The system is configured toidentify a dropped item 1550 and assign a cleaning task based on thedetected dropped item 1550. In some embodiments, the system is furtherconfigured to cause the MTU 1520 to attach to a cleaning part 1540 toclean a spill associated with the dropped item 1550. The system 1500 mayinclude or may be implemented at least partially with one or morecomponents shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5 or may be more genericallyimplemented outside of the system described with reference to FIGS. 1, 4and 5.

The central computer system 1530 includes a control circuit 1531, amemory 1532, and a wireless transceiver 1533. The central computersystem 1530 may generally be referred to as a processor-based device, acomputing device, a server, and the like. In some embodiments, thecentral computer system 1530 may be implemented with one or more of thecentral computer system 106 and/or the computer device 500 describedabove. For example, the functionalities of the central computer system1530 described herein may be implemented as one or more software and/orhardware modules in the central computer system 106.

The central computer system 1530 has stored on its memory 1532, a set ofcomputer readable instructions that is executable by the control circuit1531 to cause the control circuit 1531 to detect a dropped item 1550,identify at least one characteristic of the dropped item, and assign acleaning task based on the identified characteristic of the droppeditem. The central computer system 1530 may receive sensor data from theMTU 1520 via the wireless transceiver 1533 and/or may provideinstructions to perform one or more tasks to the MTU 1520 via thewireless transceiver 1533.

In some embodiments, the central computer system may receive a droppeditem notification from one or more of a customer, a store associate, anMTU, and a store sensor system. In some embodiments, the centralcomputer system 1530 may receive images from an image sensor implementedon the MTU 1520, another MTU, or a stationary camera system to detectthe dropped item. For example, the central computer system 1530 maycompare a current image of a section of the shopping space with abaseline image to determine whether an item has been dropped on thefloor. In some embodiments, the baseline image may be a pattern of theflooring in the shopping space. In some embodiments, the system maycompare images of a section taken over time to distinguish betweendropped items and moving objects such as customers in the shoppingspace. In some embodiments, the central computer system 1530 may furtherreceive sensor data from the MTU 1520 to determine a characteristic ofthe dropped item. In some embodiments, the central computer system 1530may be located inside of and serve a specific shopping space. In someembodiments, the central computer system 1530 may be at least partiallyimplemented on a remote or cloud-based server that provides instructionsto MTUs in one or more shopping spaces. Embodiments of the functions ofthe central computer system 1530 in a system for restoring storecondition is describe in more detail herein with reference to FIGS.16-18 below.

The MTU 1520 may be the MTU 102 described in FIG. 1, the MTU shown inFIGS. 2A-3B, and/or the MTU described in FIG. 4. Generally, an MTU maybe a motorized device having a control circuit 1521, a wirelesstransceiver 1523, a sensor device 1522, a motorized wheel system, and anattachment structure 1525 for attaching to cleaning part 1540. The MTU102 may generally be configured to travel in a shopping space accordingto instructions received from a central computer system 1530.

The control circuit 1521 may be configured to receive a dropped itemlocation from the central computer system 1530 via the wirelesstransceiver, cause the motorized wheel system 1524 to travel to thelocation of the dropped item 1550, and use the sensor device 1522 tocollect information about the dropped item 1550. In some embodiments,the control circuit 1521 is further configured to receive a cleaningtask from the central computer system 1530, travel to a specifiedcleaning part 1540, attach to the cleaning part 1540 via the attachmentstructure 1525, and travel back to the dropped item 1550 to perform acleaning task using the cleaning part 1540.

The wireless transceiver 1523 may be any wireless communicationtransceiver such as wi-fi transceiver, blue-tooth transceiver, and thelike. The attachment structure 1525 may include one or more of a clamp,a clip, a magnet, a latch, and the like for attaching to the cleaningpart 1540. In some embodiments, the attachment structure 1525 may attachto the cleaning part 1540 with similar means as the structure forattaching to a shopping cart described herein with reference to FIGS.2A-B and 3A-B herein. The motorized wheel system 1524 may include and/orbe similar to the motorized wheel system 410 described herein.

The sensor device 1522 may include one or more of an image sensor, aninfrared sensor, a temperature sensor, a gas sensor, a moisture sensor,a sonar sensor, a range sensor, a bar-code reader, a radio frequencyidentification (RFID) reader, etc. In some embodiments, sensor device1522 may include one or more of the sensors on MTUs 102 described withreference to FIG. 1 above. The system 1500 may use the sensor device1522 to capture in image of the dropped item, scan an optically readablecode on the dropped item, and/or read a RFID tag on the dropped item todetermine the identity of the dropped item. In some embodiments, thesystem may further use one or more of the temperature sensor, themoisture sensor, and the gas sensor to determine whether liquid, solid,or gas has spilled in the area of the dropped item. Based on theinformation gathered by the sensor device 1522, the system may determinewhether the spill include one or more of a polar liquid, a non-polarliquid, a powder, a solid, a loose item, glass, a sharp object, fumes, ahazardous material, etc. The system may further be configured to selecta cleaning task according to the determined characteristic of thedropped item.

In some embodiments, the MTU 1520 may further be configured to detectthe presence of a dropped item and/or a spill using the sensor device1522. For example, when an MTU is traveling around the store on one ormore assigned tasks, it may captured images of its surrounding andreport any detected dropped item and/or spill to the central computersystem 1530. In some embodiments, the central computer system 1530 mayfurther instruct the MTU 1520 or another MTU unit to perform a cleaningtask to remove the dropped item 1550 and any associated spill from theshopping space. In some embodiments, the MTU 1520 may be configured toplace signs and/or cones around the spill to prevent customers fromstepping on the spill. In some embodiments, the MTU 1520 be configuredto travel to a cleaning part 1540 and attach itself to a cleaning part1540. The MTU may then return to the spill area to perform clean upusing the cleaning part 1540.

In some embodiments, a cleaning task may be assigned to two or more MTUsto perform together. For example, an MTU may be instructed to brush thedropped item 1550 into a pan attached to a second MTU. In someembodiments, the MTU 1520 may be instructed to perform a cleanup taskwith a store associate. For example, an MTU may provide audio and/orvisual instructions to an associate on how to perform the clean-up. Insome embodiments, the MTU may retrieve one or more cleaning supplies foran associate. In some embodiments, the MTU may carry the dropped itemand/or the used cleaning supply away from the shopping space for theassociate.

The cleaning part 1540 may include one or more of a brush, a broom, adust pen, a dry mop, a wet mop, a vacuum, and the like. In someembodiments, the cleaning part may also include different types ofcleaning solutions such as water, cleaning alcohol, soap, bleach,solvent, etc. In some embodiments, the MTU 1520 may be furtherinstructed to retrieve the cleaning solution in addition to the cleaningpart. In some embodiments, the cleaning part 1540 may include anattachment device for attaching to the MTU 1520. The cleaning part 1540may be attached to the bottom, top, or side of the MTU 1520. In someembodiments, the cleaning part 1540 may be pushed or pulled by the MTU1520. The cleaning part 1540 may be powered or unpowered. The cleaningpart 1540 may include its own power supply or may be powered by thebattery of the MTU 1520. In some embodiments, the MTU may be configuredto request assistance from associates in attaching itself to a cleaningpart. While the cleaning part 1540 is shown as separate from the MTU1520 in FIG. 15, in some embodiments, the cleaning part 1540 may beintegrated with or semi-permanently attached to an MTU. In someembodiments, instead of instructing the MTU 1520 to attach to a cleaningpart 1540, the system may instruct a specialized MTU having a cleaningpart to travel to the dropped item to perform cleanup. In someembodiments, the same or different MTUs may initially detect the droppeditem 1550, collect information to determine one or more characteristicsof the dropped item, and perform the cleanup task.

The dropped item 1550 may generally may be any item in the shoppingspace. For example, the dropped item may be a can, a bottle, a produceitem, a boxed item, and the like. The dropped item may be an itemoffered for sale, a store signage, a store decoration, a customer item(e.g. beverage brought in by a customer), etc. In the descriptionherein, a dropped item may or may not include a spill of the content ofthe item and a spill may refer to one or more of solid and liquidsubstance on the floor of a shopping space.

The central computer system 1530 may further include or communicate withan item characteristics database (not shown). The item characteristicsdatabase may be a non-transitory memory storage that stores one or morecharacteristics of a plurality of items. The item characteristicsdatabase may be coupled to the central computer system 1530 through oneor more of local, remote, cloud-based, wired, and wireless connections.In some embodiments, the item characteristics database may be at leastpartially implemented on one or more of the memory 1532, the database126, the memory 110, the memory 408, and the memory 504 describedherein. The item characteristics database may have stored upon it aplurality of item identifiers (product name, product type, barcode, RFIDtag, etc.) and one or more characteristics associated with each itemidentifier. For example, each item may be tagged as including one ormore of a polar liquid, a non-polar liquid, a powder, a solid, a looseitem, glass, a sharp object, fume, a hazardous material, etc. Forexample, a glass bottle of olive oil may be tagged as includingnon-polar liquid (e.g. oil) and sharp object (e.g. glass bottle). Inanother example, a can of pickles may be tagged as including polarliquid (e.g. pickling juice) and solid (e.g. pickle). When the system1500 identifies the dropped item 1550, the system may retrieve thecharacteristics associated with the dropped item from the itemcharacteristics database to determine the appropriate cleanup task. Insome embodiments, the sensor device 1522 on the MTU 1520 may be used todetermine addition characteristics of the dropped item and/or whetherthe content of the item has actually been spilled. For example, the MTU1520 may measure the moisture level and/or the temperature around thedropped item 1550 to determine whether there is liquid on the floor. Inanother example, the MTU 1520 may capture images of the dropped item1550 so that the system can determine whether the content of the droppeditem 1550 has been spilled using image analysis. In some embodiments, ifthe dropped item 1550 is not an item in the item characteristicsdatabase (e.g. a beverage brought in by a customer), the system may relyon the sensor device 1522 and/or a camera system to determine one ormore characteristics of the dropped item and/or the spill.

FIG. 16 shows a flow diagram of a method for restoring shopping spaceconditions in accordance with various embodiments of these teachings. Insome embodiments, the steps shown in FIG. 16 may be performed by one ormore of the central computer system 1530 in FIG. 15, the centralcomputer system 106 in FIG. 1, and the computer device 500 in FIG. 5,for example. In some embodiments, the steps are performed by aprocessor-based device executing a set of computer readable instructionsstored on a memory device.

In step 1610, the system identifies a section of a shopping space havinga dropped item. In some embodiments, the system may monitor sections ofa shopping space with a camera system stationed around the shoppingspace. In some embodiments, the system may compare images of floors inthe shopping space with known patterns of flooring. In some embodiments,the system may compare the images of a second taken over time todistinguish moving objects (customers, carts, baskets, etc.) fromstationary objects which may likely be a dropped item. In someembodiments, the system may receive a dropped item notification from anMTU that is traveling around the shopping space on a task unrelated tothe dropped item (e.g. escort customer, retrieve shopping cart, scanshelves, etc.). An MTU may continuously capture images of itssurrounding when it travels around the shopping space and may identify adropped item on a spacing space floor. An MTU may also encounter adropped item at least partially abstracting its path of travel. In suchembodiments, the MTU may provide images and/or other sensor data of thedropped item to the system for further identification and analysis. Insome embodiments, the system may receive a dropped item notificationfrom a customer and/or a store associate. The customer and/or the storeassociate may alert the system of a dropped item via one or more of anMTU and/or a stationary or portable user interface unit (e.g. portablecomputer, mobile device, smartphone, etc.). The system may use thelocation information of the MTU and/or the stationary or portable userinterface unit to determine an approximate location of the dropped item.In some embodiments, the system may prompt the customer and/or storeassociate to enter a location (e.g. aisle or module number) for thedropped item. In some embodiments, after receiving a dropped item alert,the system may use the in-store camera system to confirm and/ordetermine a more precise location of the dropped item.

In step 1615, the system instructs a motorized transport unit to travelto the section of the shopping space having the dropped item and collectinformation relating to the dropped item. In some embodiments, if thedropped item was initially noticed by an MTU, the system may instructthe same MTU to approach the item to collect additional information. Insome embodiments, the system may instruct the first MTU that noticed thedropped item to carry on its original task (e.g. escort customer,retrieve shopping cart, etc.) and instruct a second MTU to investigatethe dropped item. The system may instruct the MTU to travel to thegeneral area (e.g. a cell in a grid) associated with the dropped itemand the MTU may use one or more sensors to pin point the location of thedropped item within the area. In some embodiments, the MTU may beinstructed to keep a distance from the dropped item as to not travelover the spillage content. In some embodiments, the MTU and/or thesystem may determine a perimeter of any spillage content beforeapproaching the dropped item.

Also in step 1615, once the MTU is in proximity of the dropped itemand/or spillage, the MTU collects information associated with thedropped item using at least one sensor on the MTU. The MTU may includeone or more of an image sensor, an infrared sensor, a temperaturesensor, a gas sensor, a moisture sensor, a sonar sensor, a range sensor,a bar-code reader, a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, etc.The MTU may travel to the location of the dropped item and selectivelyturn on one or more sensors based on instructions received from thecentral computer system. The MTU may then relay the collectedinformation to the central computer system for analysis.

In step 1620, the system determines at least one characteristic of thedropped item based on information collected by the sensor on the MTU instep 1615. The system may use the sensor on the MTU to capture in imageof the dropped item, scan an optically readable code on the droppeditem, or read a RFID tag on the dropped item to identify of the droppeditem. In some embodiments, the characteristic of a dropped item may beretrieved from an item characteristics database based on the determinedidentity of the item. For example, an item having a barcode thatcorrespond to a glass bottle of olive oil may be determined to have thecharacteristics of non-polar liquid (e.g. oil) and sharp object (e.g.glass bottle). In another example, an image of the dropped item includesa label for dill pickle may be determined to have the characteristics ofpolar liquid (e.g. pickling juice) and solid (e.g. pickle). In someembodiments, the system may use one or more of the temperature sensor,the moisture sensor, and the gas sensor to determine whether liquid,solid, and/or gas has spilled in the area of the dropped item. Forexample, the MTU may use a remote temperature sensor to measure thetemperature of a clean floor area and the area around the dropped item.If a temperature differential exceeding a threshold value is detected,the system may determine that the liquid has been spilled. In anotherexample, a gas sensor on the MTU may detect for harmful gas in the airto determine whether hazardous gas has leaked. In yet another example,an optical sensor on the MTU may be used to determine one or morechemical properties of the content of the spill. In some embodiments,the system may retrieve at least some of the characteristics of thedropped item from the item characteristic database and the sensor on theMTU may be used to determine whether the content of the item hasactually been spilled. In some embodiments, if the dropped item is notan item in the item characteristics database (e.g. a beverage brought inby a customer) or the dropped item is not easily identifiable (e.g.label and/or barcode is not visible to the MTU), the system may rely onthe sensor and/or a camera system to determine one or morecharacteristics of the dropped item and/or the spill.

In step 1625, the system selects a cleaning task based on thecharacteristics of the dropped item determined in step 1620. In someembodiments, the cleaning task may be selected form one or more ofretrieve a cleaning tool, retrieve a cleaning supply, place a barrieraround the dropped item, remove the dropped item from the section of theshopping space, and report a hazardous condition. In some embodiments,the cleaning task may be machine instructions provided to one or moreMTUs to carry out the cleaning task and/or natural language instructionsprovided to a store associated. In some embodiments, the cleaning taskmay be assigned to two or more MTUs and/or store associates to performtogether. The system may further select a cleaning tool from a pluralityof cleaning tools and/or a cleaning supply from a plurality of cleaningsupplies based on the characteristics of the dropped item. For example,if the content of the dropped item is not spilled, the task may be toinspect the item for damage and either remove the item from the shoppingspace or return the item to the display shelf based on the condition ofthe item. If the spill content of the item is solid (e.g. a box ofbreakfast cereal) the cleaning task may specify a broom-type cleaningtool for sweeping the solid content. If the spilled content of the itemincludes polar liquid (e.g. oil), the cleaning task may specify amop-type cleaning tool and a soap-type cleaning solution. In someembodiments, the dropped item contains hazardous material (e.g. toxicliquid or fume) the system may issue an alert and have either the MTUand/or store associates keep customers away from the spill area. In someembodiments, multiple cleaning tasks may be assigned based on onedropped item. For example, a first task may be assigned to an MTU or astore associate to place signs around the spillage, a second task may beassigned to an MTU to retrieve cleaning supply, and a third task may beassigned to a store associate to pick up the dropped item using theretrieve cleaning supply. Generally, the system may variously configurethe cleaning task assignment based on one or more characteristics of thedropped item and/or the spill to more effectively restore the shoppingspace after an item is dropped on the shopping space floor withoutdeparting from the spirit of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, after step 1625, the system may communicate thecleaning task selected in step 1625 to one or more MTUs and/orassociates. The instructions may be provided as machine instructions toMTUs and/or as natural language descriptions to store associates (e.g.“bring mop and bucket to aisle 4”). The system may continue to providereal-time route guidance information to assist in the navigation of theMTU in retrieving cleaning supplies and cleaning the dropped item. Forexample, the system may communicate the location of the appropriatecleaning supply to the MTU and instruct the MTU as to which cleaningtool it should retrieve. The system may further monitor the cleaning ofthe dropped item and/or the spill to identify when the task iscompleted. For example, the system may continue to capture images of thespill area with MTU image sensor(s) and/or in-store image sensor(s) todetermine whether any spill remains on the floor. In some embodiments,the system may modify or assign new cleaning tasks based on the clean-upprogress. For example, if one cleaning solution is not effective, thesystem may instruct an MTU to retrieve a different solution and/or ask astore associate for assistance. The MTU may further provide instructionson the disposal of the dropped item and/or spill and the return ofcleaning supplies after the clean-up. For example, if the item containssharp material (e.g. broken glass), the system may provide instructionsfor safe disposal of the sharp objects (e.g. place in special bin, wrapin paper, etc.). After an MTU completes a cleaning task, the MTU maybecome available to receive other types of task assignment such asescorting a customer, carrying a shopping cart, etc. In someembodiments, the system may identify the dropped item and report a lossof the dropped item to an inventory database associated with theshopping space.

FIG. 17 is a flow diagram of a process for storing shopping spaceconditions according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the stepsshown in FIG. 17 may be performed by one or more of the system 1500 inFIG. 15, the central computer system 106 in FIG. 1, and the computerdevice 500 in FIG. 5, for example. In some embodiments, the steps areperformed by a processor-based device executing a set of computerreadable instructions stored on a memory device.

In step 1701, an associate, a customer, an MTU, or a spill detectionsystem reports a spill to the central system. An associate and acustomer may notice a spill and communicate with the central system viaa user interface device. An MTU may capture images of its surrounding asit travels through the shopping space performing one or more tasks. TheMTU and/or the central computer system may identify a spill condition inthe images captured by the MTU. A spill detection system may include oneor more sensors such as cameras, liquid, and gas sensors throughout ashopping space that can detect spills in the shopping space. In step1702, a notification is sent to the central computer system. In someembodiments, the notification may include a location of the spill and/oran image of the spill. In step 1703, the central computer sets a routefor the spill cleaner MTU to the spill site. The route may be configuredand instructed according to the MTU navigation and maneuvering meansdescribed herein. In step 1704, the MTU approaches the spill site andscans the barcode of the dropped item associated with the spill. In someembodiments, the MTU may alternatively scan an invisible code and/or aRFID tag of the dropped item. In step 1705, the MTU sends the productinformation obtained in step 1704 to the central computer. In step 1706,the center computer processes the information and inputs the informationinto a claims log. The claims log generally keeps track of items thatare damaged or otherwise become unsellable. The claims log may be usedto report lost and/or shrinkage of products and update inventoryinformation. In step 1707, the central computer responds back to MTU atask to clean the spill based upon the product's content. The centralcomputer may determine the product content based on the informationreceived on step 1705. In some embodiments, the central computer mayalso gather other information using one or more sensors on the MTU. Thetask may be selected from among different types of method of cleaningbased on the content. For example, if the spilled content is liquid, thecleaning task may specify the retrieval of a mop; if the spilled contentis mostly solid, the cleaning task may specify the retrieval of a broom.In step 1708, if the product content is hazardous, the MTU may notifystore management to keep customers out of the area. For example, ifdrain cleaners has been spilled, the MTU may notify store management toclear the area of customers while the area is being cleaned.

FIG. 18 is flow diagram of a process for storing shopping spacecondition according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the stepsshown in FIG. 18 may be performed by one or more of the system 1500 inFIG. 15, the central computer system 106 in FIG. 1, and the computerdevice 500 in FIG. 5, for example. In some embodiments, the steps areperformed by a processor-based device executing a set of computerreadable instructions stored on a memory device.

In step 1801, the central computer system determines that there is aneed for floor cleaning at a specific location in a store or facilitythrough automated monitoring or through an associate in the store. Instep 1802, the central computer system sends a notification for an MTUto perform the cleaning task. In step 1803, an MTU with floor cleaningcapability picks up the task. In step 1804, the MTU travels to thebackroom and attach to a cleaning part specified by the cleaning taskassigned in step 1802.

In step 1805, the MTU follows a path defined by the central computersystem to travel to the specified location where the cleaning task is tobe performed. In step 1806, the system and the MTU identifies thespecific floor perimeter location that was instructed to the MTU. Insome embodiments, the path in step 1805 takes the MTU to a grid section(e.g. block, cell) in the shopping space and the MTU may use one or moresensors to locate the location of the spill within the grid section. Insome embodiments, the MTU uses one or more sensors to determine the areacovered by the spill. In step 1807, the MTU puts signs around the areato indicate that it is about to perform a cleaning task in the area. Forexample, the MTU may rope off or place multiple cones around theperimeter of the spill before starting to clean up the area such thatcustomers does not step on the spill. In step 1808, the MTU moves aroundthe specified location perimeter performing cleaning task as it detectsthe cleanliness of the area. In step 1809, the MTU uses one or moresensors to sense cleanliness of the area to determine whether theinstructed task is complete. In step 1810, the MTU reports to thecentral computer system about the actual task that has been carried out.In some embodiments, if further actions need to be taken to fully cleanup the area, the system may assign additional tasks. In step 1811,actions taken by the MTU and actions detected by users are recorded invideo form along with a command scrip generated by the MTU and thecentral computer. In step 1812, the information recorded in step 1811may be used by the store management and/or central system forperformance evaluation and analytics.

In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein usefulfor restoring shopping space conditions in a shopping space. In someembodiments, a system for restoring shopping space conditions comprisesa motorized transport unit comprising at least one sensor and a centralcomputer system comprising a wireless transceiver for communicating withthe motorized transport unit. The central computer system beingconfigured to identify a section of a shopping space having a droppeditem, instruct the motorized transport unit to travel to the section ofthe shopping space and collect information associated with the droppeditem using the at least one sensor, determine a characteristic of thedropped item in the section of the shopping space using the at least onesensor of the motorized transport unit, and select a cleaning task froma plurality of cleaning tasks based on the characteristic of the droppeditem.

In some embodiments, a method for restoring shopping space conditionscomprising: identifying, at a central computer system, a section of ashopping space having a dropped item,

-   -   instructing, via a wireless transceiver, a motorized transport        unit to travel to the section of the shopping space, the        motorized transport unit comprises at least one sensor,        determining, at a central computer system, a characteristic of        the dropped item in the section of the shopping space based on        information associated with the dropped item collected by the at        least one sensor of the motorized transport unit, and selecting,        by a central computer system, a cleaning task from a plurality        of cleaning tasks based on the characteristic of the dropped        item.

In some embodiments, an apparatus for restoring shopping space conditioncomprising: a wireless transceiver configured to communicate with acentral computer system, a motorized wheel system, a sensor device, anattachment structure configured to attach to a cleaning tool, and acontrol circuit coupled to the wireless transceiver, the motorized wheelsystem, and the sensor device. The control circuit being configured to:travel, via the motorized wheel system, to a section of a shopping spacebased on instructions received from the central computer system via thewireless transceiver, collect information about a dropped item in thesection of the shopping space using the sensor device and provide theinformation about the dropped item to the central computer system,receive an cleanup task from the central computer system, travel to acleaning tool and attach to the cleaning tool via the attachmentstructure, and remove the dropped item from the section of the shoppingspace based on the cleanup task.

Some embodiments identify a section of the shopping space having adropped item; instruct the motorized transport unit to travel to thesection of the shopping space and collect information associated withthe dropped item using the at least one sensor; determine acharacteristic of the dropped item in the section of the shopping spaceusing the at least one sensor of the motorized transport unit; andselect a cleaning task from a plurality of cleaning tasks based on thecharacteristic of the dropped item. Some embodiments comprise a centralcomputer system that is configured to instruct the motorized transportunit to perform the cleaning task. In some instances, the cleaning taskcomprises one or more of: retrieve a cleaning tool, retrieve a cleaningsupply, place a barrier around the dropped item, remove the dropped itemfrom the section of the shopping space, and report a hazardouscondition. The central computer system may be configured to select atleast one of a cleaning supply from a plurality of cleaning supplies anda cleaning tool from a plurality of cleaning tools based on thecharacteristic of the dropped item.

Some embodiment include central computer system that determines thecharacteristic of the dropped item by determining whether the droppeditem comprises one or more of: a polar liquid, a non-polar liquid, apowder, a solid, a loose item, glass, a sharp object, fumes, and ahazardous material. The at least one sensor of the motorized transportunit can comprise one or more of an image sensor, an infrared sensor, atemperature sensor, a gas sensor, a moisture sensor, a sonar sensor, arange sensor, a bar-code reader, and a radio frequency identification(RFID) reader. In some implementations, the motorized transport unitfurther comprises an attachment structure configured to attach to acleaning tool. The section of the shopping space having the dropped itemmay, in some instances, be identified based on comparing a baselineimage associated with the section of the shopping space with a currentimage of the section of the shopping space. Some embodiments furthercomprise a plurality of stationary image sensors, wherein the currentimage of the section of the shopping space is captured by at least oneof the plurality of stationary image sensors. The central computersystem can be further configured to: identify the dropped item andreport a loss of the dropped item to an inventory database associatedwith the shopping space.

Some embodiments provide methods for restoring shopping spaceconditions. In some implementations, a method comprises instructing themotorized transport unit to perform the cleaning task. Some embodimentsselect a cleaning task that comprises one or more of: retrieve acleaning tool, retrieve a cleaning supply, place a barrier around thedropped item, remove the dropped item from the section of the shoppingspace, and report a hazardous condition. Some applications select atleast one of a cleaning supply from a plurality of cleaning supplies anda cleaning tool from a plurality of cleaning tools based on thecharacteristic of the dropped item. The central computer system maydetermine the characteristic of the dropped item by determining whetherthe dropped item comprises one or more of: a polar liquid, a non-polarliquid, a powder, a solid, a loose item, glass, a sharp object, fumes,and a hazardous material. Sensors may be used, and in some instances, atleast one sensor comprises one or more of an image sensor, an infraredsensor, a temperature sensor, a gas sensor, a moisture sensor, a sonarsensor, a range sensor, a bar-code reader, and a radio frequencyidentification (RFID) reader. A motorized transport unit can comprise anattachment structure configured to attach to a cleaning tool. In someembodiments, a section of the shopping space having the dropped item isidentified based on comparing a baseline image associated with thesection of the shopping space with a current image of the section of theshopping space. A current image of the section of the shopping space maybe captured by a plurality of stationary image sensors coupled to thecentral computer system. Some implementations identify the dropped itemand reporting a loss of the dropped item to an inventory databaseassociated with the shopping space.

Some embodiments provide an apparatus for restoring shopping spacecondition comprising: a wireless transceiver configured to communicatewith a central computer system; a motorized wheel system; a sensordevice; an attachment structure configured to attach to a cleaning tool;and a control circuit coupled to the wireless transceiver, the motorizedwheel system, and the sensor device, the control circuit beingconfigured to: travel, via the motorized wheel system, to a section ofthe shopping space based on instructions received from the centralcomputer system via the wireless transceiver; collect information abouta dropped item in the section of the shopping space using the sensordevice and provide the information about the dropped item to the centralcomputer system; receive an cleanup task from the central computersystem; travel to the cleaning tool and attach to the cleaning tool viathe attachment structure; and remove the dropped item from the sectionof the shopping space based on the cleanup task. In some instances, thesensor device comprises one or more of an image sensor, an infraredsensor, a temperature sensor, a gas sensor, a moisture sensor, a sonarsensor, a range sensor, a bar-code reader, and a radio frequencyidentification (RFID) reader.

In accordance with some embodiments, further details are now providedfor one or more of these and other features. For example, generallyspeaking, pursuant to various embodiments, systems, apparatuses,processes and methods employing such a shopping facility assistancesystem to return items to their respective departments.

Generally speaking, these teachings are especially useful when employedin a retail shopping facility that is organized as a plurality ofdepartments that present corresponding items for sale. In such a case,the aforementioned central computer system can direct a particularmotorized transport unit through a retail shopping facility to aparticular mobile item container having at least one item disposedtherein, that item being designated for return to a particular one ofthe plurality of departments such that this item can then again bepresented for sale. After causing that motorized transport unit tophysically attach to this mobile item container, the central computersystem can direct that motorized transport unit through the retailshopping facility with the attached particular mobile item container tothe one or more departments to which the item or items are to be soreturned.

By one approach, the central computer system is further configured toreceive information that identifies one or more of the items that areplaced in that mobile item container and uses that information todetermine which of the plurality of departments are to be visited tofacilitate the return of those items. These teachings are highlyflexible in practice and will accommodate, for example, returningvarious items to a plurality of departments when those items share acommon mobile item container. In such a case, if desired, the centralcomputer system can direct the motorized transport unit to each of thosevarious departments by selecting and using an efficient order ofvisitation.

These teachings are highly flexible in practice and will accommodate avariety of modifications to suit the needs and/or opportunities ascharacterize a given application setting. So configured, this shoppingfacility assistance system can efficiently and accurately facilitate thereturn of any of a variety of items to their respective departments toensure their availability for selection and purchase by customers whileavoiding the need to so task one or more associates in these regards.Accordingly, these teachings permit a greater number of associates to beavailable to more directly assist customers without necessarilyincreasing headcount.

Referring now to FIG. 19, a process 1900 that accords with the foregoingwill be described. For the sake of an illustrative example it will bepresumed that the above-described central computer system 106 carriesout the activities of this process 1900 and in particular employs itsnetwork interface to wirelessly communicate with a plurality of theabove-described motorized transport units 102.

At optional block 1901, the central computer system 106 receivesinformation that identifies items placed in a particular mobile itemcontainer (which, in this illustrative example, is presumed to be aretail-store shopping cart). These teachings will accommodate sourcingthis information in any of a variety of ways. By one approach, forexample, the Universal Product Code (UPC) and/or Electronic Product Code(EPC) code on each item is scanned by an associate at the time, or nearthe time, of placing the items in the mobile item container 104. Byanother approach, the central computer system 106 employs facility RFIDtag readers to read identifying RFID tags on such items and perhaps onthe mobile item container 104 itself. As these teachings are notparticularly sensitive to any particular selections in these regards,and as these methodologies are generally well understood in the art,further elaboration is not provided here.

At optional block 1902, the central computer system 106 determinesdepartments within the retail shopping facility that corresponds tothese items as a function of the foregoing information. Again, theseteachings will accommodate making these determinations in a variety ofways. By one approach, the central computer system 106 usesproduct-identifying information (such as UPC information or EPCinformation) to access a database that correlates such information withspecific corresponding departments. Such an approach can readily serve,for example, to determine that a fishing lure belongs in the sportinggoods department while a blouse belongs in the women's wear department.

Whether pursuant to the foregoing optional activities or via some otherapproach, the central computer system 106 has information regarding whatitems are placed in this particular mobile item container 104 and inwhich respective departments those items belong.

FIG. 20 provides an illustrative example in these regards. In thisexample, the mobile item container (MIC) 104 of interest is located in acustomer service area 2001 that comprises a part of this retail shoppingfacility 101. This retail shopping facility 101 is logically partitionedinto six different departments (denoted here as department A throughdepartment F). Accordingly, these departments may or may not have aclear physical partition separating one from the other. In some casesone department may be separated from another department by an aisle or achange in flooring material. In other cases one department may partiallyphysically overlap in one sense or another with another adjacentdepartment. Generally speaking, while many or most of these departmentsmay be evident to customers as separate “departments,” these teachingswill accommodate a sense of departments that serves the organizationalneeds of facility associates and hence may not be fully or completelyobservable by or appreciated by customers of the facility 101. Examplesof departments for a typical modern department-based retail shoppingfacility include but are not limited to a health and beauty department,an automotive supplies department, a sporting goods department, ahousewares department, a women's fashions department, a men's fashionsdepartment, a department for children's clothing, a garden suppliesdepartment, various groceries departments (such as a fresh meatsdepartment, a canned goods department, a snacks department, a softdrinks department, and so forth), and so forth.

With continued reference to FIG. 20, in this illustrative example themobile item container 104 contains three items. Pursuant to theabove-described process 1900 the central computer system 106 hasidentified these items and has determined that the first item 2002corresponds to department F, the second item 2003 corresponds todepartment C, and the third item 2004 corresponds to department B. Inthis example each of these items is an item that a customer previouslypurchased and then returned for a refund at the customer service area2001 of the retail shopping facility 101. In this example it is presumedthat this mobile item container 104 is designated to receive like-newitems that are suitable to restock and sell once again. Items that havebeen returned in a condition unsuitable in those regards can be dealtwith in other ways.

It will be understood that these teachings will accommodate items thatneed to be returned to their respective departments for other reasons.For example, a customer may have placed such items in their shoppingcart and then, for whatever reason, abandoned that shopping cart andleft the store without purchasing those items.

With continued reference to both FIGS. 19 and 20, at block 1903 thecentral computer system 106 directs a particular motorized transportunit 102 through the retail shopping facility 101 to this particularmobile item container 104 having at least one item disposed therein thatis designated to be returned to a particular one of the plurality ofdepartments such that the item or items can then be again presented forsale.

By one approach the central computer system 106 undertakes this activityon a regular, periodic basis. By another approach the central computersystem 106 undertakes this activity in response to determining that themobile item container 104 is physically filled to at least a particularlevel. By yet another approach the central computer system 106undertakes this activity in response to being prompted in these regardsby an associate (for example, an associate working in the customerservice area 2001).

By one approach the motorized transport unit 102 that the centralcomputer system 106 so dispatches comprises a motorized transport unit102 that is reserved or otherwise generally assigned primarily withserving in these regards and that is not otherwise directed to othertasks. By another approach the motorized transport unit 102 simplycomprises one of a fleet of available motorized transport units that canbe tasked in these regards but which can also serve any number of othertasks on an as-needed basis.

At block 1904 the central computer system 106 causes this particularmotorized transport unit 102 to physically attach to the particularmobile item container 104 as per the foregoing description. Then, atblock 1905, the central computer system 106 directs the motorizedtransport unit 102 through the retail shopping facility 101 with theattached mobile item container 104 to visit the departments thatcorrespond to the items in the mobile item container 104. By oneapproach, the central computer system 106 selects an efficient order ofvisitation to thereby at least reduce if not fully minimize the amountof time and/or energy required to complete this task.

In this illustrative example an associate located in one of thereceiving departments removes the one or more items that are beingreturned to that particular department. Here, the motorized transportunit 102 first arrives and stops at department C. By one approach, themotorized transport unit 102 can provide one or more alerts (such asflashing lights and/or a corresponding unique sound) to attract theattention of a nearby associate. In this case, the associate removes theitem 2003 that corresponds to department C. Though not a specific partof this process 1900, it is anticipated that either this associate oranother then places the removed item 2003 in an appropriate displaylocation such that the item 2003 is again presented for sale. Inparticular, a customer can now again physically select this item 2003and take this item 2003 to a point of sale to consummate their purchaseof the item.

The motorized transport unit 102 then travels through department A inthis example and arrives and stops in department B. There, the sameprocedure follows and an associate removes the items 2004 that is beingreturned to this department. That accomplished, the motorized transportunit 102 traverses department D and arrives and stops at department F.And again, an associate removes the item 2002 being returned to thisdepartment from the mobile item container 104. The central computersystem 106 can then direct the motorized transport unit 102 to its nexttask or elsewhere as desired.

As already noted above, this process 1900 is highly flexible and willaccommodate a wide variety of modifications. As one example in theseregards, at optional block 1906 the central computer system 106determines which items are removed from the mobile item container 104 atone or more of the departments. This monitoring can be based upon, forexample, visual information provided by in-facility cameras 114 and/orinformation provided by one or more in-facility RFID tag readers asdescribed above. So configured, the central computer system 106 candetermine at decision block 1907 when an error in these regards occurs.That is, when an associate removes the incorrect item from the mobileitem container 104. In the absence of any errors, the process can simplycontinue as described above. Upon detecting such an error, however, thecentral computer system 106 can effect an alert at block 1908. Thisalert can comprise, for example, a visual or audible alert to alert theassociate that an error has occurred with respect to removing items fromthe mobile item container 104 in this department. The associate can theneffect a corresponding correction.

As another example in these regards, the central computer system 106 canbe further configured to first confirm that at least one associate willbe available in each targeted department and hence available to removecorresponding items from the mobile item container 104 four thatdepartment when the motorized transport unit 102 arrives with the mobileitem container 104. This confirmation can be based, for example, upon ananalysis of video information provided via in-facility video cameras. Inthe case where no associate is available in a particular department, byone approach the central computer system 106 can be configured to avoidsuch a department or to at least not stop in such a department andthereby defer returning any items to that department until an associatebecomes available.

So configured, one or more items that are to be returned to a particulardepartment (as versus, for example, taking an item to a retail floordepartment from a stock room for the first time) can make the greaterpart of that journey in a largely or wholly automated fashion. Such anapproach makes it possible, for example, for more associates to work theretail sales floor in ways that more directly and immediately affect theconsumer experience in a positive way.

Some embodiments provide apparatuses and/or systems comprising aplurality of motorized transport units configured to move through aretail shopping facility that is organized as a plurality of departmentsthat present corresponding items for sale, and a central computer systemhaving a network interface such that the central computer systemwirelessly communicates with the plurality of motorized transport units.The central computer system is configured to at least in part: direct aparticular one of the plurality of motorized transport units through theretail shopping facility to a particular mobile item container having atleast one item disposed therein, the at least one item being designatedfor return to a particular one of the plurality of departments such thatthe at least one item can then be presented for sale; cause theparticular one of the plurality of motorized transport units tophysically attach to the particular mobile item container; and direct,via a wireless network connection, the particular one of the pluralityof motorized transport units through the retail shopping facility withthe attached particular mobile item container to the particular one ofthe plurality of departments. In some embodiments the mobile itemcontainer comprises a retail-store shopping cart. The particular mobileitem container may be located in a customer service area of the retailshopping facility and wherein the central computer system directs theparticular one of the plurality of motorized transport units to theparticular mobile item container by directing the particular one of theplurality of motorized transport units to the customer service area.

In some implementations, the central computer system is furtherconfigured to: receive information that identifies items placed in theparticular mobile item container; and determine the particular one ofthe plurality of departments as a function of the information thatidentifies the items in the particular mobile item container. Thecentral computer system may be configured to determine that there areitems in the particular mobile item container that should be directed toat least two different ones of the plurality of departments. The centralcomputer system may direct the particular one of the plurality ofmotorized transport units through the retail shopping facility with theattached unattended mobile item container to the particular one of theplurality of departments by directing the particular one of theplurality of motorized transport units to each of the at least twodifferent ones of the plurality of departments.

In some embodiments, the central computer system directs the particularone of the plurality of motorized transport units to each of the atleast two different ones of the plurality of departments by selecting anefficient order of visitation. The central computer system may, in someapplications, direct the particular one of the plurality of motorizedtransport units through the retail shopping facility with the attachedparticular mobile item container to the particular one of the pluralityof departments by first confirming that at least one associate will beavailable in the particular one of the plurality of departments toremove corresponding items from the particular mobile item container forthat department when the particular one of the plurality of motorizedtransport units arrives with the particular mobile item container. Insome instances, the central computer system is further configured to:determine which items are removed from the particular mobile itemcontainer at the particular one of the plurality of departments; and usethe particular one of the plurality of motorized transport units toalert an associate upon detecting an error with respect to removingitems from the particular mobile item container at the particular one ofthe plurality of departments.

Some embodiments provide methods comprising: by a central computersystem having a network interface such that the central computer systemwirelessly communicates with a plurality of motorized transport unitsthat are configured to move through a retail shopping facility that isorganized as a plurality of departments that present corresponding itemsfor sale: directing a particular one of the plurality of motorizedtransport units through the retail shopping facility to a particularmobile item container having at least one item disposed therein, the atleast one item being designated for return to a particular one of theplurality of departments such that the at least one item can then bepresented for sale; causing the particular one of the plurality ofmotorized transport units to physically attach to the particular mobileitem container; and directing, via a wireless network connection, theparticular one of the plurality of motorized transport units through theretail shopping facility with the attached particular mobile itemcontainer to the particular one of the plurality of departments. In someinstances, the mobile item container comprises a retail-store shoppingcart.

In some embodiments, the particular mobile item container is located ina customer service area of the retail shopping facility and whereindirecting the particular one of the plurality of motorized transportunits to the particular mobile item container comprises directing theparticular one of the plurality of motorized transport units to thecustomer service area. Some embodiments receive information thatidentifies items placed in the particular mobile item container, anddetermine the particular one of the plurality of departments as afunction of the information that identifies the items in the particularmobile item container. In some implementations, some embodimentsdetermine that there are items in the particular mobile item containerthat should be directed to at least two different ones of the pluralityof departments. In directing the particular one of the plurality ofmotorized transport units through the retail shopping facility with theattached unattended mobile item container to the particular one of theplurality of departments some embodiments direct the particular one ofthe plurality of motorized transport units to each of the at least twodifferent ones of the plurality of departments. The directing theparticular one of the plurality of motorized transport units to each ofthe at least two different ones of the plurality of departments maycomprise selecting an efficient order of visitation.

Some embodiments direct the particular one of the plurality of motorizedtransport units through the retail shopping facility with the attachedparticular mobile item container to the particular one of the pluralityof departments includes first confirming that at least one associatewill be available in the particular one of the plurality of departmentsto remove corresponding items from the particular mobile item containerfor that department when the particular one of the plurality ofmotorized transport units arrives with the particular mobile itemcontainer. In implementations determine which items are removed from theparticular mobile item container at the particular one of the pluralityof departments; and use the particular one of the plurality of motorizedtransport units to alert an associate upon detecting an error withrespect to removing items from the particular mobile item container atthe particular one of the plurality of departments.

Some embodiments provide methods and systems of monitoring trash cansdistributed about the shopping facility. The trash cans can be insideand/or outside, and the motorized transport units can be utilized inmanaging the trash cans. In some implementations, a central computersystem 106 of a shopping facility receives communications from multipleself-propelled motorized transport units (MTU) located at the shoppingfacility. Typically, as described above, the motorized transport unitsare configured to perform multiple different tasks throughout theshopping facility as instructed by the central computer system 106. Thecentral computer system can include one or more control circuits thatcouple with one or more transceiver to communicate at least with themotorized transport units. A memory couples with the one or more controlcircuits and storing computer instructions that when executed by atleast one control circuit cause the control circuit to perform functionsthat least enable the central computer system to direct one or moremotorized transport units to maintain trash can receptacles at theshopping facility. In some instances, the central computer system 106identifies multiple motorized transport units that are configured toimplement tasks that can support the maintenance of trash canreceptacles. Routing instructions based on a mapping of the shoppingfacility can be communicated to each of two or more motorized transportunits directing the motorized transport units to a trash can receptacle,of multiple trash can receptacles distributed about the shoppingfacility, identified as ready to be emptied, replaced or otherwiseserviced. In some instances one of the two motorized transport unitstransports a replacement second trash can to the location of the trashcan receptacle that is to be serviced. A trash can removal instructioncan be communicated to a first motorized transport unit to cause thefirst motorized transport unit to remove the first trash can from thetrash can receptacle. Further, a trash can replacement instruction canbe communicated to a second motorized transport unit to cause the secondmotorized transport unit to place the second trash can into thereceptacle in place of the first trash can. Accordingly, the multiplemotorized transport units cooperate to service a trash can receptacle.

FIG. 21 illustrates a simplified block diagram of an exemplary firstmotorized transport unit 2100 and an exemplary second motorizedtransport unit 2102 approaching an exemplary trash can receptacle 2104that is to be serviced (e.g., the first trash can 2108 within the trashcan receptacle is scheduled to be and/or needs to be emptied), inaccordance with some embodiments. The second motorized transport unit2102 is transporting a replacement trash can 2110 that is to be placedinto the trash can receptacle 2104 in place of the first trash can.Typically, the trash can receptacle includes a door with an opening 2112through which people can put trash that is to be deposited into thetrash can within the trash can receptacle.

FIG. 22 illustrates the first motorized transport unit 2100 moving intoposition relative to the trash can receptacle 2104, in accordance withsome embodiments. Referring to FIGS. 21-22, in these examples, the firstmotorized transport unit 2100 may move under the trash can receptacleand the first trash can 2108 within the trash can receptacle. The firstmotorized transport unit can engage the first trash can and move thefirst trash can out of the trash can receptacle. In someimplementations, the motorized transport units may include a trash canengagement rack 2118 that cooperates with a base, rim or other portionof the trash can. The engagement rack 2118, in some applications, maymove to engage, grip, squeeze, interlock, and/or otherwise cooperatewith the trash can to enhance the stability and cooperation between thetrash can and the motorized transport unit. It is noted that in someimplementations the second motorized transport unit may not be utilized,and instead, the first motorized transport unit can transport the firsttrash can to a disposal area, dump the trash, and then return the firsttrash can to the trash can receptacle 2104.

In some embodiments, the first motorized transport unit may lift thefirst trash can 2108 a predefined amount in order to be able to move thefirst trash can out of the trash can receptacle 2104. In some instances,the first trash can may be supported within the trash can receptacle2104 through one or more supports 2114, pegs, hooks or other suchstructures that can cooperate with corresponding slots, grooves, holes,or the like that are configured to support a trash can and trash withinthe trash can. By lifting the first trash can, the first motorizedtransport unit 2100 can release the supports 2114 from the supportslots. Once the first trash can is supported by the first motorizedtransport unit, the first transport unit can move the first trash canout of the trash can receptacle. In other implementations, trash cansmay have wheels, and the motorized transport units pull and/or push thetrash cans.

When the trash can receptacle includes a door, the door may be opened bythe motorized transport unit. For example, the motorized transport unitmay engage an unlock trigger on the trash can receptacle, communicate arequest to the central computer system 106 that in turn communicates anopen instruction to the trash receptacle, or other such activation tocause the door to open. Once opened, the first motorized transport unitcan move the first trash can out of the trash can receptacle.

FIG. 23 illustrates a simplified block diagram of the first motorizedtransport unit 2100 supporting the first trash can 2108 and moved outfrom the trash can receptacle 2104, while the second motorized transportunit 2102 is moving the replacement trash can 2110 into positionrelative to the trash can receptacle 2104, in accordance with someembodiments. Referring to FIGS. 21-23, with the door 2302 open, thefirst motorized transport unit 2100 can move the first trash can awayfrom the receptacle 2104. The second motorized transport unit 2102 canalign with the opening and move the replacement trash can into the trashcan receptacle. Further, in some implementations, the second motorizedtransport unit may lift the replacement trash can 2110 to an appropriateheight to allow the replacement trash can to properly align with thecavity of the trash can receptacle 2104 and/or to align with one or moregrooves, a shelf or other such support structures that support thereplacement trash can 2110. The second motorized transport unit 2102 canthen close the door 2302 and/or cause the door to be closed. Forexample, the second motorized transport unit may increase its height toallow it to engage the door and move the door to a closed position, thesecond motorized transport unit may communicate a close command to thetrash can receptacle that in turn activates a motor, hydraulics, orother such mechanism to close the door, the second motorized transportunit may communicate a completion notification to the central computersystem that communicates a close command to the trash can receptacle, orother such action to cause the door to be closed.

As described above, in some embodiments, the central computer system 106of a shopping facility receives communications from multiple motorizedtransport units located at the shopping facility. A control circuit 108of the central computer system 106 can identify a first motorizedtransport unit 2100 and a second motorized transport unit 2102 ascapable of servicing a trash can receptacle. The central computer systemcan identified a first trash can receptacle of multiple trash canreceptacles distributed about the shopping facility as ready to beemptied. This identification may be based on a schedule, based on anotification from the trash can receptacle, or the like. Routinginstructions based on a mapping of the shopping facility can becommunicated to each of the first and second motorized transport unitsdirecting the first and second motorized transport units to the firsttrash can receptacle 2104 of the multiple different trash canreceptacles distributed about the shopping facility. Further, thecentral computer system can direct the second motorized transport unit2102 to align with and cooperate with a replacement trash can 2110. Thesecond motorized transport unit can transport the replacement trash can2110 along the route to the trash can receptacle 2104.

The central computer system 106 can further communicate a trash canremoval instruction to the first motorized transport unit 2100 to causethe first motorized transport unit to position itself into alignmentwith the first trash can 2108. For example, the first motorizedtransport unit may move under the trash can receptacle and the firsttrash can. In some instances, the first motorized transport unit mayinclude a trash can engagement rack 2118 that can cooperate with thefirst trash can to stabilize the trash can during removal and/ortransport. The second motorized transport unit may similarly include anengagement rack to cooperate with the second trash can. The firstmotorized transport unit can then remove the first trash can from thetrash can receptacle. A trash can replacement instruction can becommunicated to the second motorized transport unit 2102 to cause thesecond motorized transport unit to place the second trash can into thetrash can receptacle in place of the first trash can.

In some implementations, the trash can removal instruction can compriserouting instructions to cause the first motorized transport unit 2100 totravel under the trash can receptacle and the first trash can 2108. Atrash can engagement instruction can further be communicated to thefirst motorized transport unit that causes the first motorized transportunit to temporarily and removably couple with the first trash can, liftthe first trash can at least a first threshold distance, and move thefirst trash can out and away from the receptacle. In some instances, thelifting of the trash can disengages the first trash can from a supporton the trash can receptacles. For example, the trash can receptacle mayinclude a shelf upon which a trash can sits, one or more grooves orchannels may be included that cooperate with pins on the trash can, oneor more pins or the like may cooperate with one or more grooves,channels or the like in the trash can, and/or other such supportsystems.

In some embodiments, the central computer system 106 communicatesrouting instructions to the second motorized transport unit 2102 tocause the second motorized transport unit to align the second trash atleast can horizontally in two dimensions with a door opening of thetrash can receptacle, and to align the second trash can vertically in athird dimension with the door opening and/or guides of the trash canreceptacle. The routing instructions and/or the replacement instructionscan further instruct the second motorized transport unit to move thesecond trash can into the trash can receptacle 2104, and in someinstances move the trash can such that supports on the second trash cancooperate with the guides of the receptacle.

The central computer system may additionally communicate a trash candisengagement instruction that when implemented causes the secondmotorized transport unit to decouple from the second trash can. In someimplementations, the trash can disengagement instruction may furthercause the second motorized transport unit to lower at least a portion ofthe second motorized transport unit reducing a height of the secondmotorized transport unit, and to move out from under the trash canreceptacle and the second trash can.

FIG. 24 illustrates a simplified block diagram of an exemplary trash canreceptacle 2104, in accordance with some embodiments, that includes areceptacle control system 2402. The receptacle control system mayinclude a control circuit, which may be implemented similar to thecontrol circuit 108. The receptacle control system includes and/orcouples with one or more sensors 2404. Additionally or alternatively,the trash can include one or more sensors (e.g., weight sensor, trashlevel sensor, etc.). The receptacle control system and/or a trash cansystem can receive sensor data from the one or more sensors 2404 on orwithin the trash can receptacle or trash can 2112. Some embodimentsinclude a trash level sensor that detects a level of trash within thetrash can positioned within the trash can receptacle. For example, alight sensor or other distance measurement sensor may measure a distanceto a level of trash within a trash can. This information can becommunicated to the central computer system and/or an alert can becommunicated by the sensor system when a threshold level of trash isreached. The central computer system 106 may receive the trash levelsensor information that is communicated from a transmitter of thereceptacle control system at the trash can receptacle 2104, whichcouples with a sensor positioned within the receptacle. Again, the trashlevel sensor information notifies the central computer system of a trashlevel and/or that a trash level within the first trash can is at orgreater than a trash level threshold. The central computer system canidentify the first trash can 2108 as ready to be emptied based on adetermination by the central computer system, and/or in response toreceiving the trash level sensor information indicating the trash levelwithin the first trash can is at or greater than the trash levelthreshold. Upon determining that the first trash can is ready to beemptied, the central computer system 106 implements the identificationof the first and second motorized transport units to replace the firsttrash can with the replacement trash can.

In some implementations, the receptacle control system is furtherconfigured to activate a door opening system, unlatch a door latchingsystem, and/or unlock a door lock. In some instances, the receptaclecontrol system includes a transceiver that receives a door activationinstruction from the central control system. As such, the centralcontrol system can be configured to communicate a door activationinstruction to a receptacle control circuit of the receptacle controlsystem to cause the receptacle control circuit to activate a doorcontrol system to unlatch the door 2302 of the trash can receptacle 2104prior to the first motorized transport unit attempting to move the firsttrash can out of the trash can receptacle.

The central computer system 106 is further configured to identify thetrash can receptacle 2104 from which the trash level sensor informationis received. For example, the receptacle control system includes anidentifier of the receptacle control system and/or the trash canreceptacle in the communication of the trash level information. Onceidentified, the central computer system can identify a location of thetrash can receptacle and determine routing to the trash receptacle. Indetermining routing, the central computer system further identifies alocation of the first motorized transport unit 2100, and a location ofthe second motorized transport unit 2102. Based on the locationinformation of the trash can receptacle and the first and secondmotorized transport units, the central computer system determinesrouting for each of the first and second motorized transport units.

As introduced above, in some embodiments, the trash can receptacle 2104may include one or more guides 2408, grooves, channels, hooks or otherstructures. The trash cans can include supports, pegs, hooks, or othersuch structures to engage the guides. The guides 2408 may further aid inpositioning the trash cans within the receptacle and/or retaining atrash can in a desired position. In some implementations, the guides2408 may include a depression, recess or the like that allows thesupports of the trash can to readily seat into the depression to inhibitthe trash can from moving and/or leaning against the door. In suchimplementations, the motorized transport units typically lift the trashcan a threshold distance to free the supports from the depressions whenremoving the trash can.

In some implementations, the central computer system 106 further routesthe second motorized transport unit 2102 to cooperate with a replacementtrash can 2110. As such, the central computer system may identify alocation of one or more trash cans that are available to be used toreplace at least the first trash can. Using the location of areplacement trash can, the central computer system can determine therouting instructions for the second motorized transport unit to directthe second motorized transport unit to the location of the second trashcan, and communicate to the second motorized transport unit the routinginstructions and instructions to retrieve the second trash can prior totraveling to the location of the trash can receptacle such that thesecond motorized transport unit retrieves and transports the secondtrash can to the location of the trash can receptacle.

In some implementations, the power for the receptacle control system2402, one or more sensors of the trash can receptacle, the door controlsystem and/or other components of the trash can receptacle may bethrough one or more replaceable and/or rechargeable power cells orbattery, solar panels, and the like. Additionally or alternatively, someembodiments may receive power from a power source on a trash can 2112.FIG. 25 illustrates a simplified block diagram of an exemplary trash can2108 in accordance with some embodiments. The trash can may include oneor more rechargeable batteries 2502. One or more conductors 2504, 2506can extend from the battery to a power coupler that can transfer powerfrom the battery to the receptacle control system 2402, a trash cancontrol system, one or more sensors, and/or other such components. Insome embodiments, the supports of the trash can may include electricalconductors that enable the transfer of power from the conductors (e.g.,positive conductor 2504, and negative conductor 2506) through a similarconductor cooperated with the guides 2408. Accordingly, a battery 2502of a replacement trash can may be recharged prior to being inserted intothe trash can receptacle.

After having removed the first trash can 2108, the central computersystem can communicate routing instructions to the first motorizedtransport unit 2100 to transport the trash can 2108 to a disposal systemwhere a worker may dump the trash, or the disposal system mayautomatically cause the trash to be dumped. In some instances, thedisposal system may include a ramp or ledge that the motorized transportunit approaches to position the trash can near a trash bin and dumps thetrash can. In other instances, the motorized transport unit deposits thetrash can at a disposal location, and workers dump the trash can andprepare the trash can to be subsequently used as a replacement trash canof another trash can receptacle.

FIG. 26 illustrates a simplified block diagram of a disposal system2600, in accordance with some embodiments. The disposal system isconfigured to receive trash cans 2108 and remove the trash out of thetrash cans. In some implementations, the disposal system includes a liftsystem 2602 with which a motorized transport unit 2100 can cooperatewhile carrying a trash can 2108 to be emptied. The lift system may, insome applications, include an elevator system, crane system, or the likethat can hoist the at least the trash can, and in some instances themotorized transport unit and the trash can. In other implementations,the lift system includes one or more tracks, guides or the like intowhich guide members 2604 can engage allowing the motorized transportunit 2100 to repeatedly expand or telescope and retract while engagingthe tracks allowing the motorized transport unit to lift the trash can2108 to be emptied.

In some implementations, trash can engagement rack 2118 may furthercooperate with the trash can to allow the trash can to be tipped whilestill being cooperated with the motorized transport unit 2100. Forexample, one or more cables 2608, ropes, elastic bands or the like onthe trash can may be releasably secured with the engagement rack 2118.When the trash can is in a correct orientation relative to a disposalbin 2610, the trash can be tipped while still cooperated with themotorized transport unit. The lift system 2602 may include a tipmechanism that pushes the trash can. This tip mechanism may be a taperedarea that the trash can contacts as the trash can is lifted. In otherinstances, the lift mechanism may activate a pusher or other mechanismthat causes the trash can to be tipped. The lift mechanism may includefeatures described in U.S. Patent Application No. 62/175,182, filed Jun.12, 2015, for Donald R. High et al., entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FORTRANSPORTING A PLURALITY OF STACKED MOTORIZED TRANSPORT UNITS, and U.S.Patent Application No. 62/152,711, filed Apr. 24, 2014, for John P.Thompson et al., entitled RECHARGING APPARATUS AND METHOD, which areincorporated herein by reference.

The lift system or other system may detect that the trash from the trashcan has been dumped and notify the central computer system. The centralcomputer system can then remove the task from the queue and/or initiatethe communication of one or more additional instructions to take thetrash can to a different trash can receptacle, a storage location or thelike. Similarly, the central computer system can designate the motorizedtransport unit as free to perform another task and when relevant issuesubsequent task instructions to cause the motorized transport unit toperform one or more other tasks.

FIG. 27 illustrates a simplified flow diagram of an exemplary process2700 of monitoring trash cans 2108 and/or trash can receptacles 2104, inaccordance with some embodiments. In step 2702, a control circuit 108 ofthe central computer system 106 of a shopping facility identifies afirst motorized transport unit 2100 and a second motorized transportunit 2102 of a plurality of self-propelled motorized transport unitsconfigured to travel about a shopping facility to perform multipledifferent tasks throughout the shopping facility. In step 2704, routinginstructions based on a mapping of the shopping facility can becommunicated to each of the first and second motorized transport unitsdirecting the first and second motorized transport units to a trash canreceptacle 2104, of multiple trash can receptacles distributed about theshopping facility. Typically, the central computer system furtheridentifies that a first trash can 2108 and/or the trash can receptacleis ready to be emptied based on a schedule, sensor data or the like.Further, the second motorized transport unit is further instructed totransport a replacement trash can 2110.

In step 2706, a trash can removal instruction is communicated to thefirst motorized transport unit 2100 to cause the first motorizedtransport unit to remove the first trash can 2108 from the trash canreceptacle. In some instances, routing instructions are communicated tothe first motorized transport unit to cause the first motorizedtransport unit to travel under the trash can receptacle and the firsttrash can 2108. A trash can engagement instruction may further becommunicated that causes the first motorized transport unit totemporarily and removably couple with the first trash can, lift thefirst trash can at least a first threshold distance, and move the firsttrash can out and away from the receptacle.

In step 2708, a trash can replacement instruction is communicated to thesecond motorized transport unit 2102 to cause the second motorizedtransport unit to place the replacement trash can 2110 into the trashcan receptacle 2104 in place of the first trash can. In someapplications, the second motorized transport unit aligns the trash canthree dimensionally with trash can receptacle. A trash can replacementinstruction communicated to the second motorized transport unit mayinclude routing instructions to cause the second motorized transportunit to align the replacement trash can 2110 horizontally in twodimensions with a door opening of the receptacle (e.g., X-axis andY-axis), to align the second trash can vertically in a third dimension(e.g., Z-axis) with guides 2408 of the receptacle, and to move thesecond trash can into the trash can receptacle such that supports 2114on the second trash can cooperate with the guides of the trash canreceptacle. Further, in some implementations, a trash can disengagementinstruction may be communicated that when implemented causes the secondmotorized transport unit to decouple from the second trash can 2110.Additionally or alternatively, the trash can disengagement instructionmay further cause the second motorized transport unit to lower at leasta portion of the second motorized transport unit reducing a height ofthe second motorized transport unit, and to move out from under thereceptacle and the second trash can. The second motorized transport unitcan then be tasks by the central computer system to perform one or moreother tasks, which may be to service another trash can receptacle, helpa customer, transport products to a sales floor of the shoppingfacility, retrieve one or more movable item containers, and/or othersuch tasks.

In some embodiments, the central computer system may receive sensor datafrom a sensor system of the trash can receptacle and/or the trash can.In some instances a trash level sensor information is received at thecentral computer system that is communicated from a transmitter at thetrash can receptacle and coupled with a sensor positioned within thetrash can receptacle. The sensor information may comprise informationthat notifies the central computer system that a trash level within thefirst trash can 2108 is at or greater than a trash level threshold. Thethreshold may be a weight threshold, a distance threshold, a volumethreshold, or other such threshold. The central computer system canidentify the first trash can is ready to be emptied in response toreceiving the trash level sensor information indicating the trash levelwithin the first trash can is at or greater than the trash levelthreshold. In some applications, the central computer system implementsthe identification of the first and second motorized transport units toreplace the first trash can 2108 with the second trash can 2110 inresponse to identifying that the first trash can is ready to beserviced. Further, the central computer system can add a trash canreceptacle service task to a task queue. The task queue may prioritizeone or more tasks. When the trash can receptacle service task is firstin the queue the central computer system can issue commands tasking thefirst and/or second motorized transport units to service the trash canreceptacle.

Typically, the central computer system further identifies the trash canreceptacle 2104 from which the trash level sensor information isreceived and/or corresponds. A location of the identified trash canreceptacle is further identified. In some implementations, the centralcomputer system accesses a mapping of the shopping facility to determinecoordinates of the trash can receptacle. Additionally or alternatively,the central computer system may include and/or access a database and/orspreadsheet with location coordinates of the trash can receptacle at theshopping facility. Similarly, a location of the first motorizedtransport unit and a location of the second motorized transport unit aredetermined. In some instances, the motorized transport units transmitlocation information to the central computer system that is used totrack movements of the motorized transport units and identify currentlocations at the shopping facility. Routing instructions are determinedfor the first motorized transport unit based on the location of thetrash can receptacle and the location of the first motorized transportunit. Similarly, routing instructions are determined for the secondmotorized transport unit based on the location of the trash canreceptacle and the location of the second motorized transport unit. Insome embodiments, the second motorized transport unit 2102 is furtherinstructed to retrieve and/or cooperate with the replacement trash can2110 prior to proceeding to the trash can receptacle. As such, thecentral computer system may identify a location of the second trash canthat is available to be used to replace another trash can. The routinginstructions can be determined for the second motorized transport unitthat include instructions to direct the second motorized transport unitto the location of the second trash can, and to retrieve the secondtrash can prior to traveling to the location of the receptacle such thatthe second motorized transport unit retrieves and transports the secondtrash can to the location of the receptacle.

Some embodiments further activate a door opener at the trash canreceptacle. A door activation instruction can be communicated to areceptacle control circuit to cause the receptacle control circuit toactivate a door control system to unlatch the door of the receptacleprior to the first motorized transport unit attempting to move the firsttrash can. This door activation instruction may be generated andtransmitted in response to receiving a notification from the first orsecond motorized transport unit that one or both are within a thresholddistance, in response to identifying that one or both the first andsecond motorized transport units are within a threshold distance of thetrash can receptacle (e.g., by tracking location and/or movements of thefirst and/or second motorized transport units), in response to acommunication from the trash can receptacle, or the like.

Trash removal in a retail shopping environment can be a mundane andlaborious process. It takes workers time to do these tasks thereforetaking the workers away from helping customers in the store andperforming other relevant tasks. The utilization of the motorizedtransport units, however, simplifies the process and frees up workers toperform other tasks. The central computer system in cooperation with themotorized transport units automate efficient trash cleaning operationsenabling self-service store management. This self-service management canimprove convenience by, in part, freeing up store workers time to helpcustomers in store. It provides a new opportunity to increaseproductivity in a shopping facility and/or distribution centers becauseof the automated trash removal activities. The automation can performchecking trash levels, picking and/or replacing trash cans, anddisposing of trash. The central computer system communicates with theone or more of the multiple motorized transport units configured toperform multiple different tasks at the shopping facility, andinstructions the service of one or more trash can receptacles. Thecentral computer system can, in some instances, identify the trash cansto be serviced. The one or more motorized transport units can beinstructed to travel to the relevant trash can receptacle location. Insome instances, a second trash can is placed into the trash canreceptacle in place of a first trash can, and trash in the first trashcan is disposed of. The motorized transport unit can properly orient andplace a trash can into a trash can receptacle using sensor information(e.g., distance measurements, distance traveled, inertial sensorinformation, etc.) and location information to orient and place thetrash can into the trash can receptacle. A motorized transport unitand/or the trash can receptacle may notify the central computer systemin the event of an error (e.g., first trash can may not be able to beremoved from the trash receptacle, something blocking the way of one ormore motorized transport units from accessing the trash can receptacle,or the like.

One or more motorized transport units 102 operate at a shopping facilityand follow instructions from the central computer system 106 to carryout trash cleaning operations. In some implementations, the centralcomputer system receives sensory notification from one or more sensorsin and/or embedded in the trash can receptacle for fullness. When athreshold level is reached, based on schedule, other such factors, orcombination of such factors, the central computer system can issueinstructions to one or more motorized transport units with relevantinformation (e.g., trash can receptacle location, trash disposallocation, routing through the shopping facility, priority information,and the like). Further, in some instances, the central computer systemmay create one or more tasks for trash picking and disposal. The centralcomputer system can send instructions and/or a notification to one ormore motorized transport units to perform the task. In someapplications, the central computer system identifies one or moremotorized transport units with trash removal capability in determiningwhich motorized transport unit is to be tasked with servicing a trashcan receptacle.

In some embodiments, one or more trash can receptacles may include atransmitter to facilitate the central computer system and/or themotorized transport units to locate the trash can receptacles. Forexample, the motorized transport units may wirelessly receive a beaconfrom a trash can receptacle that aids the motorized transport unit tolocate the trash can receptacle. The transmitter may transmit and/orbroadcast a unique identifier for the corresponding trash canreceptacle.

The one or more tasked motorized transport units travel to the trash canreceptacle (e.g., using tagalong steering, route optimization, and thelike provided by the central computer system and/or feedback fromsensors on the motorized transport unit). When a motorized transportunit picks up a trash can, it transports the trash can to the trashdisposal location. In some instances, a motorized transport unit mayinclude a robotic arm that can cooperate with the trash can duringacquisition, transport and/or disposal. In some instances, the centralcomputer system communicates route instructions that allow the motorizedtransport unit to follow a predefined path to travel to the specifiedtrash disposal location. Some embodiments further identify a trashdisposal bin or container (e.g., based on the unique identifier sent bythe transmitter, image processing, and short distance object sensing,object identification and movement mechanism capabilities, etc.). Thecentral computers system may, in some implementations, further determinewhether the trash can receptacle is obstructed and/or accessible. Ifthere is an obstruction, a door cannot be opened, a trash can cannot beremoved, or other error condition, the motorized transport unit cannotify the central computer system and await further instructions. Insome applications, the motorized transport unit may be configured to tipor pull over a trash can when oriented relative to a disposal bin (basedon vision, object identification and movement mechanism) so drops thetrash to the disposal bin 2610.

In some embodiments, actions taken by a motorized transport unit and/oractions detected by a worker may be recorded in video form along with acommand script generated by the motorized transport unit and/or thecentral computer system. The video may include video captured by amotorized transport unit, video cameras of the shopping facility, and/orother sources of video content. The video and/or command scripts can besubsequently evaluated for performance evaluations and analytics.

In some embodiments, systems, apparatuses, processes and methods areprovided herein useful to monitor trash cans and/or trash receptacles.Some embodiments provide systems of monitoring trash cans, comprising: acentral computer system of a shopping facility, comprising: atransceiver configured to receive communications from multipleself-propelled motorized transport units located at the shoppingfacility; a control circuit coupled with the transceiver; and a memorycoupled to the control circuit and storing computer instructions thatwhen executed by the control circuit cause the control circuit toperform the steps of: identify a first motorized transport unit and asecond motorized transport unit; communicate routing instructions basedon a mapping of the shopping facility to each of the first and secondmotorized transport units directing the first and second motorizedtransport units to a trash can receptacle, of multiple trash canreceptacles distributed about the shopping facility, identified as readyto be emptied, wherein the second motorized transport unit transports areplacement second trash can; communicate trash can removal instructionto the first motorized transport unit to cause the first motorizedtransport unit to remove the first trash can from the trash canreceptacle; and communicate a trash can replacement instruction to thesecond motorized transport unit to cause the second motorized transportunit to place the second trash can into the trash can receptacle inplace of the first trash can.

Further, some embodiments comprise methods of monitoring trash cans,comprising: by a control circuit of a shopping facility: identifying afirst motorized transport unit and a second motorized transport unit ofa plurality of self-propelled motorized transport units configured totravel about a shopping facility; communicating routing instructionsbased on a mapping of the shopping facility to each of the first andsecond motorized transport units directing the first and secondmotorized transport units to a trash can receptacle, of multiple trashcan receptacles distributed about the shopping facility, identified asready to be emptied, wherein the second motorized transport unittransports a replacement second trash can; communicating trash canremoval instruction to the first motorized transport unit to cause thefirst motorized transport unit to remove the first trash can from thetrash can receptacle; and communicating a trash can replacementinstruction to the second motorized transport unit to cause the secondmotorized transport unit to place the second trash can into the trashcan receptacle in place of the first trash can.

Some embodiments provide systems of monitoring trash cans. A centralcomputer system of a shopping facility may be included that includes atransceiver configured to receive communications from multipleself-propelled motorized transport units located at the shoppingfacility, a control circuit coupled with the transceiver, and memorycoupled to the control circuit and storing computer instructions. Thecontrol circuit in executing the instructions is configured to identifya first motorized transport unit and a second motorized transport unit.Routing instructions based on a mapping of the shopping facility can becommunicated to each of the first and second motorized transport unitsdirecting the first and second motorized transport units to a trash canreceptacle, of multiple trash can receptacles distributed about theshopping facility, identified as ready to be emptied, wherein the secondmotorized transport unit transports a replacement second trash can.Further, one or more trash can removal instructions can be communicatedto the first motorized transport unit to cause the first motorizedtransport unit to remove the first trash can from the trash canreceptacle. In some instances, a trash can replacement instruction canbe communicated to the second motorized transport unit to cause thesecond motorized transport unit to place the second trash can into thetrash can receptacle in place of the first trash can. In some instances,routing instructions can be communicated to cause the first motorizedtransport unit to travel under the trash can receptacle and the firsttrash can. A trash can engagement instruction can be communicated thatcauses the first motorized transport unit to temporarily and removablycouple with the first trash can, lift the first trash can at least afirst threshold distance, and move the first trash can out and away fromthe trash can receptacle.

In some implementations, the control circuit in communicating the trashcan replacement instruction is configured to communicate routinginstructions to cause the second motorized transport unit to align thesecond trash can horizontally in two dimensions with a door opening ofthe trash can receptacle, to align the second trash can vertically in athird dimension with guides of the trash can receptacle, and to move thesecond trash can into the trash can receptacle such that supports on thesecond trash can cooperate with the guides of the trash can receptacle;and communicate a trash can disengagement instruction that whenimplemented causes the second motorized transport unit to decouple fromthe second trash can. The control circuit may further cause the secondmotorized transport unit to lower at least a portion of the secondmotorized transport unit reducing a height of the second motorizedtransport unit, and to move out from under the trash can receptacle andthe second trash can.

Some embodiments receive trash level sensor information, communicatedfrom a transmitter at the trash can receptacle and coupled with a sensorpositioned within the trash can receptacle, notifying the centralcomputer system that a trash level within the first trash can is at orgreater than a trash level threshold, and identify the first trash canis ready to be emptied in response to receiving the trash level sensorinformation indicating the trash level within the first trash can is ator greater than the trash level threshold. The control circuit mayimplement the identification of the first and second motorized transportunits to replace the first trash can with the second trash can, whichmay be in response to the trash level sensor information. In someinstances, the control circuit is further configured to identify thetrash can receptacle from which the trash level sensor information isreceived, identify a location of the trash can receptacle, and identifya location of the first motorized transport unit, and a location of thesecond motorized transport unit. The routing instructions for the firstmotorized transport unit may be determined based on the location of thetrash can receptacle and the location of the first motorized transportunit, and the routing instructions for the second motorized transportunit may similarly be determined based on the location of the trash canreceptacle and the location of the second motorized transport unit. Thecontrol circuit in determining the routing instructions for the secondmotorized transport unit may further identify a location of the secondtrash can that is available to be used to replace another trash can, anddetermine the routing instructions for the second motorized transportunit to direct the second motorized transport unit to the location ofthe second trash can, and to retrieve the second trash can prior totraveling to the location of the trash can receptacle such that thesecond motorized transport unit retrieves and transports the secondtrash can to the location of the trash can receptacle. In someembodiments, the control circuit is further configured to communicate adoor activation instruction to a trash can receptacle control circuit tocause the trash can receptacle control circuit to activate a doorcontrol system to unlatch the door of the trash can receptacle prior tothe first motorized transport unit attempting to move the first trashcan.

Some embodiments provide methods of monitoring trash cans. A controlcircuit of a shopping facility identifies a first motorized transportunit and a second motorized transport unit of a plurality ofself-propelled motorized transport units configured to travel about ashopping facility; communicates routing instructions based on a mappingof the shopping facility to each of the first and second motorizedtransport units directing the first and second motorized transport unitsto a trash can receptacle, of multiple trash can receptacles distributedabout the shopping facility, identified as ready to be emptied, whereinthe second motorized transport unit transports a replacement secondtrash can; communicates trash can removal instruction to the firstmotorized transport unit to cause the first motorized transport unit toremove the first trash can from the trash can receptacle; andcommunicates a trash can replacement instruction to the second motorizedtransport unit to cause the second motorized transport unit to place thesecond trash can into the trash can receptacle in place of the firsttrash can. Some embodiments communicate routing instructions to causethe first motorized transport unit to travel under the trash canreceptacle and the first trash can, and communicate a trash canengagement instruction that causes the first motorized transport unit totemporarily and removably couple with the first trash can, lift thefirst trash can at least a first threshold distance, and move the firsttrash can out and away from the trash can receptacle.

Some embodiments in communicating the trash can replacement instructioncommunicate routing instructions to cause the second motorized transportunit to align the second trash can horizontally in two dimensions with adoor opening of the trash can receptacle, to align the second trash canvertically in a third dimension with guides of the trash can receptacle,and to move the second trash can into the trash can receptacle such thatsupports on the second trash can cooperate with the guides of the trashcan receptacle; and communicate a trash can disengagement instructionthat when implemented causes the second motorized transport unit todecouple from the second trash can. Further, the communication of thetrash can disengagement instruction may further cause the secondmotorized transport unit to lower at least a portion of the secondmotorized transport unit reducing a height of the second motorizedtransport unit, and to move out from under the trash can receptacle andthe second trash can.

Trash level sensor information, communicated from a transmitter at thetrash can receptacle and coupled with a sensor positioned within thetrash can receptacle, may be received notifying a central computersystem that a trash level within the first trash can is at or greaterthan a trash level threshold, identifies the first trash can is ready tobe emptied in response to receiving the trash level sensor informationindicating the trash level within the first trash can is at or greaterthan the trash level threshold; and implements the identification of thefirst and second motorized transport units to replace the first trashcan with the second trash can. Some embodiments identify the trash canreceptacle from which the trash level sensor information is received;identify a location of the trash can receptacle; identify a location ofthe first motorized transport unit, and a location of the secondmotorized transport unit; determine the routing instructions for thefirst motorized transport unit based on the location of the trash canreceptacle and the location of the first motorized transport unit; anddetermine the routing instructions for the second motorized transportunit based on the location of the trash can receptacle and the locationof the second motorized transport unit.

The determining the routing instructions for the second motorizedtransport unit can, in some embodiments, further comprise: identifying alocation of the second trash can that is available to be used to replaceanother trash can; and determining the routing instructions for thesecond motorized transport unit to direct the second motorized transportunit to the location of the second trash can, and to retrieve the secondtrash can prior to traveling to the location of the trash can receptaclesuch that the second motorized transport unit retrieves and transportsthe second trash can to the location of the trash can receptacle. Someembodiments communicate a door activation instruction to a trash canreceptacle control circuit to cause the trash can receptacle controlcircuit to activate a door control system to unlatch the door of thetrash can receptacle prior to the first motorized transport unitattempting to move the first trash can.

In accordance with some embodiments, further details are now providedfor one or more of these and other features. For example, generallyspeaking, pursuant to various embodiments, systems, apparatuses,processes and methods are provided herein that automate the performanceof ground treatment, such as but not limited to maintenance of exteriorareas of shopping facilities as a result of at least some weatherconditions, debris clean-up, and other such ground treatment.Embodiments typically further provide enhanced safety in response tosome weather conditions and debris. This can include providing at leastinitial response to temperature dropping below one or more thresholds,snow fall, and sleet, and other such weather conditions. Further,actions can be taken, in at least some implementations, based onforecasted weather conditions. Similarly, in some areas of the shoppingfacility, such as lawn and garden sections of shopping facilities,debris may inadvertently be dropped, spilled or otherwise build up onthe ground of these sections. Often in these sections, the debris can berelatively heavy or difficult to clean up through typical vacuums orother such cleaning devices. For example, the debris may be parts ofplants, landscaping gravel and rocks, pieces of brick or other suchrelatively heavy products, piles of dirt, piles of fertilizer, and othersuch debris.

In some embodiments, one or more motorized transport units areconfigured to removably attached and cooperate with ground and/orweather related treatment systems (generally referred to below as groundtreatment systems). The ground treatment systems can include one or moresnow plow and/or shovel systems, one or more snow blower systems, one ormore snow thrower systems, one or more ice melt dispenser systems, oneor more brush and/or broom systems, one or more ice chipper systems, oneor more sand spreader systems, one or more snow sweeper systems, one ormore broom and shovel or dustpan systems, one or more broom and vacuumsystems, one or more air blower systems, other such ground treatmentsystems, or combination of two or more of such systems. In someembodiments, the central computer system can direct one or more of theseground treatment system equipped motorized transport units to areas ofthe shopping facility that are exposed to weather conditions tocooperatively and in concert address ground level conditions (e.g.,weather induced conditions). For example, the one or more motorizedtransport units cooperated with a snow plow system can be directed toone or more areas of a parking lot and/or walkways to plow snow inattempts to clear at least portions of the parking lot and/or walkway.Similarly, one or more motorized transport units can each be cooperatedwith a snow plow system and directed to one or more areas of a parkinglot and/or walkways to plow snow in attempts to clear at least portionsof the parking lot and/or walkway. In some implementations, one or moremotorized transport units can each cooperate with a sweeping system, airblower system, and/or other such systems to address debris and the likeat areas of the shopping facility in addressing ground level conditions.

In some implementations, different ground treatment systems areconfigured to detachably cooperate with any one of multiple differentmotorized transport units. As such, motorized transport units can beconfigured to perform ground treatment tasks when not assigned toperform one or more other tasks, such as but not limited to helpingcustomers, moving movable item containers, collecting movable itemcontainers, cleaning tasks, and other such tasks. Further, in someembodiments, the any one of multiple different motorized transport unitscan separately temporarily cooperate with any one of multiple differentground treatment systems and implement ground treatment as instructed bythe central computer system or other system (e.g., a central groundtreatment control system, which is in communication with and/orcontrolled by the central computer system).

FIGS. 28A-28C illustrate some embodiments of the motorized transportunit 202 detachably engaging a ground treatment system, embodied in thisexample as a snow plow system 2800. It is noted that FIGS. 28A-28Cillustrate a representative snow plow system; however, many of thecomponents, features, structure, functionality, and the like illustratedand described below can similarly be employed with other relevant groundtreatment systems. Further, other features, components, structure,functionality and the like described below with respect to other groundtreatment systems may similarly be employed with embodiments of the snowplow system and other ground treatment systems. In FIG. 28A, themotorized transport unit 202 is approaching the snow plow system 2800while in the orientation of FIG. 2A such that it is retracted. FIG. 28Bshows the motorized transport unit moved into position (e.g., usingsensors of the motorized transport unit, the snow plow system, sensorsthat communicate with the central computer system and/or other suchsensors, or combination of such sensors) and temporarily cooperated withthe snow plow system 2800.

Once the motorized transport unit 202 is in position and cooperated withthe snow plow system, the motorized transport unit 202 can be instructedto control the snow plow system, including at least driving the snowplow system to desired locations and along desired snow removal routes.In some implementations, the motorized transport unit can furthercontrol an elevation of a plow 2802 of the snow plow system relative tothe ground, such as the motorized transport unit being moved between theretracted position (as illustrated in FIG. 2A) and the extended position(as illustrated in FIG. 2B) to raise and lower the plow 2802. Forexample, instructions from the central computer system and/or thecontrol circuit of the motorized transport unit can cause the motorizedtransport unit to back off and/or taking more shallow cuts at the snow.Further, in some implementations, the central computer system mayinstruct the motorized transport unit and snow plow system to operate asa shovel and scoop snow and move it to a designated location.

FIG. 28C illustrates the motorized transport unit, in accordance withsome implementations, in the extended position while cooperated with thesnow plow system such that hinges 2804, pivots, gearing, hydraulics,springs, and other such components of the snow plow system are activatedto lift the plow 2802 of the snow plow system 2800 off of the ground,tilt the plow to a desired orientation relative to the ground, implementother such movement and control of the plow, or a combination of two ormore of such orientation control of the plow. For example, in someimplementations, the snow plow system may include a frame with one ormore scissor hinges and/or gears that are activated by the transition ofthe motorized transport unit moving between the retracted and extendedpositions cause the elevation of the plow 2802 to change Additionally oralternatively, the rotation of the upper portion 206 relative to the lowportion 204 may cause an increase or decrease in tilt of the plow.

Further, in some embodiments, the snow plow system may include one ormore motors, hydraulics, servo motors, other such systems, or acombination of two or more of such systems that can be controlled toimplement relevant position and orientation control of the plow. In someinstances, the motorized transport unit controls the one or more motorsor the like of the snow plow system (e.g., through a communication portwith which the motorized transport unit couples when coupling with thesnow plow system), and in some instances, the central computer systemmay issue commands to a control circuit of the snow plow system tocontrol the one or more motors or the like. The snow plow system mayfurther include one or more power sources (rechargeable battery,capacitor, etc.) to provide power to one or more control circuits,memory, I/O devices, transceivers, sensors, motors, and the like of thesnow plow system. In some applications, the motorized transport unitprovides some or all of the power for the snow plow system.

The control circuit of the motorized transport unit may communicatedirectly with a control circuit of the snow plow system to cooperativelycontrol the operation of the snow plow system and provide feedback andother information to the motorized transport unit. The communication maybe wireless or through other wired or physical coupling, which may bepart of the coupling structure or other connection. Similarly, in someinstances, the snow ploy system may communicate via one or more wirelesstransceivers with the central computer system. Substantially anyinformation, instructions or other communications can be transmittedbetween the central computer system and the control circuit of the snowplow system. For example, the communications can include functioninformation, instructions (e.g., detach, attached, power on or off,speed control, control for angle of snow plow, sensor data (e.g.,determining resistance, torque, wet versus dry snow, ice, etc.), and thelike.

In some implementations, the motorized transport unit supports theentire weight of the snow plow system. In other instances, one or morewheels, tracks, or other such movable components are included thatsupport at least some of the weight of the snow plow system. Someembodiments may provide different types of snow plow systems, such as asmall or light option snow plow system that does not include wheels orhas limited numbers of wheels, and a larger or heavy duty snow plowsystem that includes wheels or other movement system that at leastsupports a portion of the weight of the snow plow system.

In some implementations, the motorized transport unit independentlymoves the ground treatment system between locations at the shoppingfacility and along ground treatment routes. In other instances, however,the ground treatment system may include one or more motorized movementsystems (e.g., motorized wheel system) that aid the motorized transportunit in moving the ground treatment system. Again, the motorizedtransport unit may control the one or more motorized wheel systems orother movement systems of the ground treatment system and/or the centralcomputer system may issue commands to at least in part control themotorized movement system of the ground treatment system.

Some embodiments may further include one or more heater systems on oneor more of the motorized transport units. For example, one or moreheaters or heating elements may be cooperated with cameras, sensors, andother components of the motorized transport unit to inhibit water fromfreezing on these components and/or in attempts to ensure accurateoperation. Similarly, a wash and/or de-icing fluid may be dispensed bythe motorized transport unit and/or other actions may be taken (e.g.,wiper system, etc.).

In some embodiments, the motorized transport unit may cooperate withdifferent types of ground treatment systems. FIGS. 29A-29C illustrate amotorized transport unit 202 moving into position and cooperating with aground treatment system, embodied in this example as a snow blowersystem 2900, in accordance with some embodiments. As illustrated inthese examples, the snow blower system 2900 includes a snow blower 2902that is cooperated with a frame, one or more hinges 2904, pivots,gearing, hydraulics, springs, motors, and the like. The snow blowersystem 2900 may further include a blower discharge chute 2908 thatdirects the snow, which may also be controlled by the motorizedtransport unit (e.g., based on rotation of the upper portion versus thelow portion of the motorized transport unit), a rotation motor of thesnow blower system, other such method, or combination of such methods.

In some embodiments, the snow blower system 2900 includes one or moremotors to drive the one or more augers 2910 of the snow blower system.The auger motor/s may be electrical, gas or other such motors. In someinstances, there is a mechanical coupling between the motorizedtransport unit and the snow blower system (e.g., axial drive, universaljoint, etc.) allowing the motorized transport unit to transfermechanical power to the snow blower system. For example, an axial drivecan provide rotational power that can be used to drive wheels, rotatethe one or more augers, and the like. Further, one or more motors may beincluded to control the orientation of the chute, elevation of the snowblower, and/or other such motors. Similar to the snow plow system 2800,in some embodiments, the snow blower system 2900 may include one or morecontrol circuits, memory, I/O devices, transceivers, sensors, motors,and the like.

In some applications, the motorized transport unit controls the one ormore motors or the like of the snow blower system 2900 (e.g., through acommunication port with which the motorized transport unit couples whencoupling with the snow plow system), and in some instances, the centralcomputer system may issue commands to a control circuit of the snowblower system to control the one or more motors or the like. The snowblower system may further include one or more power sources(rechargeable battery, capacitor, etc.) to provide power to one or morecontrol circuits, memory, I/O devices, transceivers, sensors, motors,and the like. Additionally or alternatively, the motorized transportunit provides some or all of the power for the snow plow system.

The control circuit of the motorized transport unit may communicatedirectly with a control circuit of the snow blower system tocooperatively control the operation of the snow blower system andprovide feedback and other information to the motorized transport unit.The communication may be wireless or through other wired or physicalcoupling. Similarly, in some instances, the snow blower system maycommunicate via one or more wireless transceivers with the centralcomputer system. Substantially any information, instructions or othercommunications can be transmitted between the central computer systemand the control circuit of the snow blower system. For example, thecommunications can include function information, instructions (e.g.,detach, attached, power on or off, speed control, direction of chute,rotation speed and/or power level of the augers, height and/or depthcontrol, sensor data (e.g., determining resistance, torque, snow depth,wet versus dry snow, ice, etc.), and the like.

In some implementations, the motorized transport unit supports theentire weight of the snow blower system. In other instances, one or morewheels, tracks, or other such movable components are included thatsupport at least some of the weight of the snow blower system. Someembodiments may provide different types of snow blower systems, such asa small or light option that does not include wheels or has limitednumbers of wheels, and a larger or heavy duty option that includeswheels or other movement system that at least support a portion of theweight of the snow blower system.

FIGS. 30A-30B similarly illustrate the motorized transport unit 202cooperating with a ground treatment system, embodied in this example asan ice melt dispenser system 3000, in accordance with some embodiments.The ice melt dispenser system can include a receptacle, cavity or thelike to receive one or more melting agents (e.g., salt, calciumchloride, etc.) or other substances the can inhibit slipping (e.g.,sand, pellets, etc.) that can be dispensed by the ice melt dispensersystem as it is moved by the motorized transport unit. Further, thequantity of melt agent or other agent that is dispensed typically can becontrolled by a controller of the ice melt dispenser system or themotorized transport unit. For example, in some embodiments, the ice melddispenser system may include a control circuit that activates one ormore motors, screw drives, or the like in decreasing or increasingdispensing rates. Alternatively or additionally, in other embodiments, aheight and/or rotation of the upper body portion of the motorizedtransport unit relative to the lower body portion may be used to controlthe flow of the melt agent. For example, a movable lever and/or cable ofthe ice melt dispenser system may be moved by the motorized transportunit (or locally controlled) to control a quantity or rate ofdisbursement of the melt agent. In some instances, gearing may beincluded and coupled with the cable and/or lever in controlling thequantity of disbursement.

The ice melt dispenser system may be pushed or pulled by the motorizedtransport unit. As described above, in some embodiments, the motorizedtransport unit may support the weight of the ice melt dispensing system,while in other instances the ice melt dispensing system may include oneor more wheels 3002, tracks, or the like that supports some or all ofthe weight of the ice melt dispensing system. Further, in someimplementations, the ice melt dispenser system may include one or morewheel systems and/or other such motorized movement systems that can aidthe motorized transport unit is moving the ice melt dispenser system.

In some implementations, the motorized transport unit independentlymoves the ground treatment system between locations at the shoppingfacility and along ground treatment routes. In other instances, however,the ground treatment system may include one or more motorized movementsystems (e.g., motorized wheel system) that aid the motorized transportunit in moving the ground treatment system. Again, the motorizedtransport unit may control the one or more motorized wheel systems orother movement systems of the ground treatment system and/or the centralcomputer system may issue commands to at least in part control themotorized movement system of the ground treatment system.

The motorized transport unit may cooperate with other such groundtreatment systems to move and/or direct the ground treatment systems toimplement one or more tasks. Other ground treatment systems can include,but are not limited to, snow sweepers, sweepers, ice chipper, sandspreader, heating system, air blower system, vacuum system, groundsprayer systems, ground washing systems, and/or other such groundtreatment systems, or combination of such systems. Accordingly, themotorized transport unit provides a modularity for ground treatment byreadily coupling with and decoupling from one or more different types ofground treatment systems.

Further, in some instances, a single motorized transport unit maysimultaneously temporarily cooperate with multiple different groundtreatment systems. FIG. 30C illustrates a motorized transport unit 202cooperated with multiple ground treatment systems, embodied in thisexample as a snow plow system 2800 and an ice melt dispenser system3000, in accordance with some embodiments. In this configuration, themotorized transport unit can drive both ground treatment systemsallowing the ground treatment systems to implement respective groundtreatments. In some implementations, the multiple ground treatmentsystems may be operated simultaneously for at least a period of time.For example, the first ground treatment system may be a snow plow systemand the second ground treatment system may be an ice melt dispensersystem. The motorized transport unit can drive the snow plow system toplow snow while simultaneously pulling the ice melt dispenser system todispense one or more ice melt agents along the just plowed surface.

FIG. 31 illustrates a motorized transport unit 202 cooperated with aground treatment system, embodied in this example as a ground cleaningsystem 3100, in accordance with some embodiments. The ground cleaningsystem 3100 can be moved by the cooperated motorized transport unitthrough one or more routes as the ground cleaning system addressesground level conditions. The ground cleaning system 3100 can include,one or more brushes (e.g., rotating brushes) that can sweep debris, oneor more vacuums, a shovel of the ground cleaning system or other suchcomponent that can receive the debris, an air blower that can blowdebris, a liquid spray component, and/or other such components. One ormore motors can be cooperated with the brushes to rotate and/or pivotbrushes, the vacuum, and the like. In some instances, the speed of themotors can be controlled by the motorized transport unit (e.g., throughcommunication between the ground cleaning system and the motorizedtransport unit, through the control of one or more toggles or leversthrough the retraction and expansion of the height of the motorizedtransport unit, etc.), controlled by the central computer system (e.g.,based on sensor feedback, based on size of pieces of debris, based onquantity of debris, based on location of the ground cleaning system, andother such factors), and the like. Similarly, one or more motors can beincluded to implement a vacuum system of the ground cleaning, which mayalso be variably controlled.

In some embodiments, a bin or tank 3102 may be included in and/orcooperated with the ground cleaning system 3100 to receive and retaindebris collected by the ground cleaning system in addressing groundlevel conditions. For example, a vacuum system may deposit debris intothe bin. The bin can be substantially any size, and in some applicationsmay be dependent upon expected quantities of debris to be retrieved,capabilities of the motorized transport unit, expected type of debris,and other such factors. In some instances, the bin may be detachablesuch that a bin can be selected from different sizes of bins andcooperated with the ground cleaning system 3100 (e.g., as part of thecooperation of the motorized transport unit with the ground cleaningsystem).

As with the other ground treatment systems, the central computer systemdirects the motorized transport units to cooperate with the groundcleaning system 3100 and drive the ground cleaning system through one ormore areas associated with the shopping facility, and typically exteriorareas (e.g., lawn and garden areas, walkways, parking lots, etc.). Thecentral computer system can, in some instances, detect debris or othermaterial that is to be picked up or otherwise cleaned up in thedesignated areas. For example, the central computer system may evaluateimages and/or video to identify a change in the ground level condition(e g, change in color, change in contour, etc.) and/or a difference in afloor pattern, based on images from shopping facility cameras, camerason the motorized transport unit and/or ground treatment systems, and/orother such cameras. The size and/or quantity of the debris and/or areato be cleaned can further be determined in selecting one or morerelevant ground cleaning systems and/or the number of ground cleaningsystems to activate. Further, the central computer system can providerouting to one or more motorized transport units to implement desiredcleaning and/or debris disposal, and often coordinate multiple motorizedtransport units, each cooperated with a ground cleaning system, tocooperatively address one or more tasks. For example, the centralcomputer system can communicate one or more exterior area cleaningrouting instructions to each of two or more motorized transport units todrive separate ground cleaning systems to cooperatively implement acleaning of exterior areas of the shopping facility in addressing groundlevel conditions.

The routing can be predefined, such as preforming ground treatment tasksduring hours when customers are not present, determined routes dependenton the area and/or debris being addressed (e.g., based on sensor datafrom the ground cleaning system, the motorized transport unit, shoppingfacility cameras, and the like), or a combination of predefined anddetermined routes. Further, the routing can take into consideration longterm and/or short term obstacles. The obstacles may be detected based onimage analysis and/or sensor data from the motorized transport unit,ground cleaning system and/or other sources. In some implementations,the ground treatment system and/or motorized transport unit includes oneor more infrared sensors, sonar sensors, distance measurement sensors,and/or other such sensors to detect customers, obstacles, and otherobstructions accounted for and unaccounted for when a route isdetermined. Again, the central computer system can cooperatively utilizemultiple motorized transport units to implement the ground treatmenttasks. In some instances, the central computer system can communicateexterior area cleaning routing instructions to multiple motorizedtransport units that are each temporarily and removably cooperated withground a cleaning system, to cause the motorized transport units totravel over portions of an external area along defined ground treatmentroutes while driving the ground cleaning systems along the surface ofthe portions of the external area as the ground treatment systems areactivated to perform respective cleaning tasks.

The central computer system can further direct the motorized transportunit to disposal stations where debris picked up by the ground cleaningsystem can be deposited for disposal. For example, a ground cleaningsystem may be driven up a ramp and over a trash bin and one or moredoors can be opened to release the debris, a bin 3102 can be tipped,etc. The selected disposal station may depend on the debris retrieved bythe ground treatment system (e.g., leaves and other plant material to acompost bin; trash, cans, bottles and the like to a trash bin; rock andthe like to another bin, and other such disposal stations).

In some embodiments, the central computer system may activate one ormore motorized transport units to cooperate with and drive groundcleaning systems based on a predefined schedule (e.g., when the shoppingfacility is closed, as defined by a manager, during non-peak times, andthe like), and/or in response to detecting a need (e.g., based on imageanalysis). Similarly, a shopping facility worker may request theactivation of a ground cleaning system or other ground treatment system,such as in response to identifying an area to be cleaned, in response toa spill, and the like. The type of ground cleaning system utilizedand/or the use of one of multiple functionalities of a single groundcleaning system can depend on the area to be cleaned, the ground levelcondition or conditions being addressed, debris being addressed, andother such factors.

In some embodiments, the central computer system can further verify thecompletion of the ground treatment task. For example, the centralcomputer system can further analyze images from the motorized transportunit, the ground treatment system, shopping facility cameras, userinterface unit cameras and the like, and evaluate those relative to oneor more other images to confirm the completion of the task.Additionally, in some implementations, a shopping facility worker mayprovide feedback regarding whether the ground treatment task iscompleted, partially completed, and/or not addressed.

Again, the ground cleaning systems can include one or more groundcleaning components, such as but not limited to one or more brushes, oneor more dustpans, one or more shovels, one or more vacuums, one or moreliquid sprayers, one or more air blowers, and other such ground cleaningcomponents. Often, a motor is cooperated with the ground cleaningcomponent to activate the ground cleaning component. Similarly, themotorized transport unit may include other motors, hydraulics, levers,actuators, mechanical couplings, and the like to control the groundcleaning components, such as but not limited to the speed of brushrotation, the vacuum pressure, airflow pressure, airflow direction for ablower, and other such controls. Again, the central computer systemtypically controls the motorized transport unit and the ground cleaningsystem to achieve the desired cleaning. In some applications, themotorized transport unit controls the one or more motors or the like ofthe ground cleaning system 3100 (e.g., through a communication port withwhich the motorized transport unit couples when coupling with the groundcleaning system), and in some instances, the central computer system mayissue commands to a control circuit of the ground cleaning system tocontrol the one or more motors or the like. The ground cleaning systemmay further include one or more power sources (rechargeable battery,capacitor, etc.) to provide power to one or more control circuits,memory, I/O devices, transceivers, sensors, motors, and the like of theground treatment system. Additionally or alternatively, the motorizedtransport unit provides some or all of the power for the ground cleaningsystem.

The control circuit of the motorized transport unit may communicatedirectly with a control circuit of the ground cleaning system 3100 tocooperatively control the operation of the ground cleaning system andprovide feedback and other information to the motorized transport unit.The communication may be wireless or through other wired or physicalcoupling. Similarly, in some instances, the ground cleaning system maycommunicate via one or more wireless transceivers with the centralcomputer system. Substantially any information, instructions or othercommunications can be transmitted between the central computer systemand the control circuit of the ground cleaning system. For example, thecommunications can include function information, instructions (e.g.,detach, attached, power on or off, speed control, direction of blowing,rotation speed and/or power level of the brushes and/or vacuum, heightcontrol), sensor data, and the like.

In some implementations, the motorized transport unit supports theentire weight of the ground cleaning system. In other instances, one ormore wheels, tracks, or other such movable components are included inthe ground cleaning system that support at least some of the weight ofthe ground cleaning system. Some embodiments may provide different typesof ground cleaning systems, such as a small or light option that doesnot include wheels or has limited numbers of wheels, and a larger orheavy duty option that includes wheels or other movement system that atleast support a portion of the weight of the ground cleaning system.

Keeping areas and customers' pathways clean and clear is part ofmaintaining a shopping facility and keeping customers coming back.Further, this task typically needs to be done regularly and efficiently.Often, shopping facilities do not have specific workers assigned tocleaning garden and/or patio areas, and workers assigned other work areusually asked to leave that other work to perform this infrequentactivity. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the central computer systemimplements one or more set schedules for cleaning based upon priorexperience in attempts to avoid wasted time, to keep areas clean, andthe like. Further, using one or more available motorized transport unitsto drive one or more ground treatment system allows workers to performother activities.

In some implementations, the ground cleaning systems are used on atimely regiment to address multiple and typically exterior areas of theshopping facility. Further, in some embodiments, the motorized transportunits can be tasked to patrol the specified areas to detect trash,spills or other debris. By cooperating with a ground cleaning system,the motorized transport unit can drive a ground cleaning system toaddress detected debris (e.g., activating a vacuuming sweeper equipmentsystem), clean spills, and address other cleaning task. A cleaning taskcan be performed, for example, by the motorized transport unit drivingthe ground cleaning system along a pre-specified path set by the centralcomputer system. Often this routine cleaning is performed at low traffictimes for each location depending on prior store activity and the need.Additionally, workers may call for an on-demand cleaning. Once the taskis complete, the motorized transport unit can drive the ground cleaningsystem to a disposal station, when relevant, and the cleaning system canbe activated to dump any debris. Again, the motorized transport unitscan perform multiple different tasks, and once a ground cleaning task iscompleted, the motorized transport unit can be instructed to disconnectfrom the ground treatment system, and return to other activitiesthroughout the store.

Different ground cleaning systems can be provided to perform differenttypes of ground cleaning tasks. In some embodiments, the motorizedtransport unit can cooperate, for example, with a vacuum/blower type drydebris sweeper system that sweeps debris into a special compartment orblows debris in an intended direction. In some embodiments, the groundcleaning system includes electrically operated motors that provide noisereduction over other types of motors, such as gas powered motors.Further, in some instances, one or more of the ground treatment systemscan be configured with a relative low height profile to allow thecleaning system to move under shelves and the like. The motorizedtransport unit may further cooperate with the low profile cleaningsystems while in the retracted position to provide a lower profile ofthe motorized transport unit. Some systems include brushes, vacuums,blowers and/or other such systems that allow cleaning against walls andin corners. Further, some ground cleaning systems are configured toreverse the flow of air from vacuum to blower as the need arises. Forexample, in low traffic states, a blower can be activated to clean anddust while a vacuum can be activated when customers are present and/orin other circumstances. Further, the air blowing capability may allowthe ground cleaning system to reach locations otherwise untouchable by avacuum. Additionally, the blower speed may be adjusted by the system asa more delicate cleaning is desired.

The motorized transport units may cooperate with a ground treatmentsystem through one or more coupling structures 422 of the motorizedtransport unit and/or ground treatment system. The coupling structures422 can be substantially any relevant coupling structure that cancooperate the motorized transport unit with the one or more intendedground treatment systems. For example, the coupling structures mayinclude one or more clamps, hooks, latches, posts, pins, recesses,tethers, magnets, tongue and grooves, locking mechanisms, other suchcoupling structures, or combination of two or more of such couplingstructures. Additionally or alternatively, the ground treatment systemsmay include one or more coupling structures that cooperate with one ormore coupling structures or other structure of the motorized transportunits. Some implementations include one or more actuatable clampscontrolled by the control circuit 406. For example, the control circuit,in response to the motorized transport unit being positioned relative toa ground treatment system, can activate the clamps to engage andremovably clamp to a frame or other structure of the ground treatmentsystem and temporarily secure the motorized transport unit with theground treatment system.

Further, the coupling structures and/or one or more arms of themotorized transport unit can be configured to accommodate slightvariations between the frame or other structure of the ground treatmentsystem and positioning of the motorized transport unit when trying tocooperate with the ground treatment system. In some instances, thecoupling structure and/or ground treatment system may include one ormore guides or other such structure to help achieve desired alignment ofthe coupling structure and the part of the ground treatment system withwhich the coupling structure is coupling (e.g., lateral bar of theframe, hooks, rings, etc.). Additionally, a ground treatment systemcoupling structure may be configured to move horizontally and/orvertically relative to the motorized transport unit to allow foralignment. Some embodiments include coupling structure sensors to ensurethe coupling structures have achieved a secure cooperation with theground treatment system. In some applications, the coupling structurefurther includes communication port that mate upon couple andestablishing a communication link between the motorized transport unitand the ground treatment system.

In some embodiments, the central computer system utilizes sensor data(e.g., video camera information, RFID information of a ground treatmentsystem, one or more radio beacons (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RF, etc.) atknown positions throughout the shopping facility, light sources (e.g.,LEDs) that emit identifier information, location identifiers (e.g.,barcodes), and the like) to identify a location of each ground treatmentsystem and the one or more motorized transport units. The locationinformation may be received directly from a detector, from one or moresensors on the ground treatment systems, sensor data from one or moremotorized transport units, other sources, or combination of suchsources. Based on the detected location of the ground treatment systemsand the motorized transport units, the central computer system can routea motorized transport unit to a location of a selected ground treatmentsystem.

Once proximate the ground treatment system, the motorized transport unitcan then move to a location and/or orientation relative to the groundtreatment system where the motorized transport unit can temporarilycooperate with the ground treatment system. In some instances, thecentral computer system continues to track sensor data and communicatesrouting information to the motorized transport unit to cause themotorized transport unit to move to a predefined location and/ororientation relative to the ground treatment system. Additionally oralternatively, the motorized transport unit may utilize its own internalsensors in positioning and/or orienting itself relative to the groundtreatment system. For example, in some embodiments, the central computersystem routes the motorized transport unit to a location proximate theground treatment system. Once positioned proximate the ground treatmentsystem, the motorized transport unit autonomously moves itself intoposition, based on sensor data (e.g., distance measurement sensor/s,camera/s, image processing, RFID scanner/s, barcode reader/s, light IDdetector/s, antenna/s, directional antenna/s, other such sensors, ortypically a combination of two or more of such sensors and/or sensordata). Furthermore, the central computer system may communicate sensordata to the motorized transport unit that can be used by the motorizedtransport unit in addition to local sensor data in orienting andpositioning itself relative to the ground treatment system.

In some embodiments, one or more ground treatment systems may includeone or more RFID transmitters or other such transmitters that can bedetected by the motorized transport unit and/or the central computersystem to obtain an identifier of the ground treatment system, and/ormay be used in part to determine a location of the ground treatmentsystem. Utilizing one or more sensors (e.g., camera/s, distancesensor/s, other such sensors, or a combination of two or more of suchsensors), the motorized transport unit, once positioned proximate theground treatment system, may recognize a shape of the ground treatmentsystem (e.g., a virtual modeled shape that corresponds to a referencemodel) and based on the shape (e.g., a difference between theorientation of the detected modeled shape relative to a reference shape,such as differences in lengths, angles, etc.) can identify anorientation of the motorized transport unit relative to the groundtreatment system. For example, the motorized transport unit canrecognize ground treatment system and its relative orientation based onangles and/or rotation of the model. Additionally or alternatively, someembodiments may recognize one or more key features of the groundtreatment system. For example, the motorized transport unit may, basedon the detected model, identify a frame, base, marker, or the like,and/or a specific aspect of the frame and its orientation relative tothat key feature.

Utilizing the determined relative position and/or orientation, themotorized transport unit can move itself (and/or be instructed by thecentral computer system) into a desired position relative to the groundtreatment system. Typically, during movement, the motorized transportunit can continue to use sensor data (e.g., distance measurements, videoand/or image data, etc.) to continue to track its position relative tothe ground treatment system and its orientation relative to a desiredpositioning and orientation relative to the ground treatment system toallow cooperation between the motorized transport unit and the groundtreatment system.

In some embodiments, one or more of the ground treatment systems caninclude one or more tags, beacons or the like (e.g., RFID tag, radiobeacon, distance tags providing distance information, etc.) placed atpredefined locations on the ground treatment system. The proximityand/or orientation of the motorized transport unit relative to theground treatment system, in some implementations, depends on the signalstrength of the tags, interference, and other such factors. Again, thecentral computer system may provide routing instructions to guide themotorized transport unit through one or more portions of the shoppingfacility to a location proximate the ground treatment system (e.g.,within a predefined threshold distance where it has been determined themotorized transport unit can accurately detect the tags). In someembodiments, the motorized transport unit wirelessly receivespositioning route instructions from the central computer system. Basedon the route instructions, the control circuit of the motorizedtransport unit can activate the motorized wheel system to move themotorized transport unit to position the motorized transport unit, inaccordance with the positioning route instructions, proximate the groundtreatment system such that the one or more wireless tag sensors arecapable of sensing at least one of the wireless tags on the groundtreatment system.

The motorized transport unit can then utilize one or more sensors (e.g.,camera/s, distance sensor/s, antenna/s, directional antenna/s, othersuch sensors, or a combination of two or more of such sensors) to detectand/or recognize the ground treatment system and/or determine a relativeposition and/or orientation of the ground treatment system relative to aposition and/or orientation of the ground treatment system. In someembodiments, the motorized transport unit utilizes one or more tagsensors, directional antennas or the like to detect and locate the oneor more tags (e.g., determine distance and angle of tags relative to aposition and orientation of the motorized transport unit). Based on thepredefined location of the tags on the ground treatment system, themotorized transport unit can use the determined location and orientationof the ground treatment system relative to the motorized transport unitas the motorized transport unit moves into a desired position relativeto the ground treatment system so that the motorized transport unit cancooperate with the ground treatment system. For example, based on thedetected tags, the motorized transport unit can apply triangulationrelative to the multiple tags to determine a precise location of themotorized transport unit relative to the ground treatment system.

Again, the location information determined from the tags may be utilizedin combination with other sensor data, such as distance measurementdata, image processing data and other such information. The number oftags can vary depending on one or more factors, such as but not limitedto size of the ground treatment system, precision of the sensors of themotorized transport unit, input from the central computer system (e.g.,movement and/or routing instructions, sensor data, etc.), and other suchfactors. In some implementations, for example, the ground treatmentsystem may include three or more tags that allow the motorized transportunit and/or the central computer system to determine positioning and/ororientation of the motorized transport unit relative to the groundtreatment system as the motorized transport unit moves into a desiredposition. As a specific example, in some applications four tags aresecured in predefined locations on the ground treatment system, wherethree tags can be used for horizontal positioning and/or orientationwhile the fourth can be used for vertical positioning Typically, thetags have unique identifiers that allow the motorized transport unitand/or the central computer system to distinguish between the tags. Insome implementations, the orientation is utilized to accurately orientthe motorized transport unit relative to the ground treatment system,such as to accurately position one or more coupling structures 422.

Further, in some implementations, one or more sensors of the motorizedtransport unit may be overridden and/or ignored. For example, a bumpsensor may be ignored as the motorized transport unit moves intoposition relative to the ground treatment system. Similarly, in someinstances the motorized transport unit may intentionally bump one ormore parts of the ground treatment system as part of a positioningprocess. As such, the bump sensor may be used not as a warning but as aconfirmation.

The motorized transport unit receives routing instructions from thecentral computer system. The routing instructions can include routingthe motorized transport unit to cooperate with a ground treatmentsystem, driving the ground treatment system through one or morepredefined routes while implementing ground treatment, driving theground treatment system through ad hoc routing (e.g., to avoidobstacles, changing conditions, problems experienced by the motorizedtransport unit and/or ground treatment system, etc.), and the like.

FIG. 32 illustrates a simplified flow diagram of an exemplary process3200 of providing enhanced safety in response to one or more groundlevel conditions and/or weather conditions, in accordance with someembodiments. In step 3202, the central computer system that is separateand distinct from a plurality of self-propelled motorized transportunits communicates positioning routing instructions to the plurality ofmotorized transport units directing the plurality of motorized transportunits to one or more external areas of a shopping facility that areexposed to weather conditions. The plurality of motorized transportunits are each cooperated with one or more ground treatment systems.Further, two or more motorized transport units may be cooperated withthe same types of ground treatment systems, and/or different motorizedtransport units may be cooperated with different ground treatmentsystems. The central computer system can evaluate ground levelconditions, current and/or forecasted weather conditions, and the like,to determine one or more ground treatments that are to be implemented.Based on the intended ground treatments to be implemented, the centralcomputer system can identify what types and numbers of ground treatmentsystems to be employed in implementing the desired ground treatments.

In some implementations, the central computer system can further takeinto consideration an area to be treated with respect to each desiredground treatment relative to a time expected for one or more motorizedtransport units to perform the intended ground treatment, and/or currentand/or forecasted weather conditions. For example, the central computersystem may have parameters, tables and the like defining rates orpredicted amounts of time it takes a motorized transport unit to drive asnow plow (or other ground treatment system) over one or more predefinedareas, which may be dependent on the type of ground, expected obstacles,weather conditions (e.g., measured and/or forecasted rates of snow fall,forecasted and/or current temperatures, etc.) and other such factors.Based on the area or areas to be treated, the central computer systemcan prepare and/or activate one or more motorized transport units and/orground treatment systems to perform the desired one or more groundtreatments. In some embodiments, one or more snow accumulation detectorsmay be utilized in tracking current conditions and/or the effectivenessof the ground treatment (e.g., one or more snow accumulation detectorsmay be included on one or more the motorized transport units, groundtreatment systems, fixed to permanent structures (e.g., light posts,support posts, etc.), other locations, or combinations thereof).

Further, the central computer system can identify available motorizedtransport units and/or free up motorized transport units to perform therelevant ground treatment tasks. Once identified, the central computersystem can direct the motorized transport units to cooperate with one ormore ground treatment systems when the identified motorized transportunits are not already cooperated with desired ground treatment systems.

In step 3204, the central computer system communicates separate arearouting instructions to each of the plurality of motorized transportunits intended to perform the desired one or more ground treatments.When implemented, the area routing instructions cause the correspondingone of the plurality of motorized transport units to cooperatively andin concert travel in accordance with the area routing instructions overat least predefined portions of one or more external areas that areaccessible by the plurality of motorized transport units to cause theground treatment systems to perform one or more intended groundtreatments to address ground level conditions and/or ground levelweather induced conditions. Again, the ground treatments can bescheduled, can be dependent on detected conditions, can be dependent onthe current and/or forecasted weather conditions (e.g., temperature,precipitation rate, perception quantity, etc.), forecasted based onscheduled activity in one or more areas (e.g., stocking of plants orother gardening products that often result in debris, and the like. Assuch, the relevant ground treatment systems are selected to implementthe intended ground treatments.

In some embodiments the control circuit of the central computer systemcan communicate one or more treatment instructions to a motorizedtransport unit of the plurality of motorized transport units causing themotorized transport unit, which is temporarily and removably cooperatedwith a ground treatment system (e.g., snow plow system) that isconfigured to perform a first ground treatment (e.g., plow and/or shovelsnow), to position the ground treatment system relative to a surface ofa portion of an external area (e.g., walkway, parking lot, etc.). Thearea routing instructions can cause the motorized transport unit totravel over at least a portion of an external area along a definedtreatment route while driving a ground treatment system along thesurface of the portion of the external area as the ground treatmentsystem performs the ground treatment to address one or more of theground level conditions (e.g., ground level weather induced conditions).In some embodiments, the defined routes are predefined based on anevaluation of the area or areas to be treated (e.g., defined by a user,calculated based on expected areas, speeds, etc., provided by a thirdparty, or other such sources or combination of sources). In otherinstances, the routing may be more generic such that the motorizedtransport unit is provided with an area information with instructionsregarding how the ground treatment system operates (e.g., length ofplow, etc.), and the motorized transport unit driving the groundtreatment system determines relevant routes to achieve a desired groundtreatment and uses sensor data in implementing the routes.

Again, multiple motorized transport units can be cooperatively and/orconcurrently activated to cooperatively implement one or more groundtreatments. Accordingly, in some implementations the control circuit ofthe central computer system can cause one or more second treatmentinstructions to be communicated to a second motorized transport unit ofthe plurality of motorized transport units causing the second motorizedtransport unit, which is temporarily and removably cooperated with asecond ground treatment system, to position the second ground treatmentsystem relative to the surface of the first portion of the firstexternal area or to a surface of a second portion of a second externalarea. Further, second treatment routing instructions can be communicatedto the second motorized transport unit causing the second motorizedtransport unit to travel over, for example, the second portion of thesecond external area along a defined second treatment route whiledriving the second ground treatment system along the surface of thesecond portion of the second external area as the second groundtreatment system performs the second ground treatment to address one ormore of the ground level conditions (e.g., ground level weather inducedconditions, debris, scheduled cleaning, etc.).

In some instances the routing instruction may further direct themotorized transport unit in implementing the intended ground treatment.For example, the motorized transport unit may be directed to move snow(e.g., plow, shovel, blow, etc.) to one or more identified locations. Insome instances, the central computer system identifies one or morelocations where snow is to be moved, areas to avoid while directingsnow, and other locations. The identification of the location may bepredefined, identified based on sensor data, based on previous groundtreatments (e.g., where snow was directed, estimated quantities of snowdirected to previous locations, etc.), other such factors, or acombination of two or more of such factors. Routing can be identifiedbetween each one or more motorized transport units and at least one ofthe one or more locations. The central computer system can then causethe area routing instructions to be communicated to each of themotorized transport units (and often multiple transport units that arecooperatively performing a ground treatment or treatments) such thateach of the motorized transport units, in implementing the area routinginstructions, drives a respective ground treatment system to moved snowto at least one of the one or more locations.

Multiple different ground treatments can be performed independently orcooperatively. For example, one or more motorized transport units candrive snow blower systems, ice melt dispenser systems, snow sweepersystems, and the like. In some implementations, for example, the controlcircuit of the central computer system can communicate area routinginstructions that include ice melt dispenser routing instructions to amotorized transport unit, which is temporarily and removably cooperatedwith an ice melt dispenser system, causing the motorized transport unitto travel over at least a portion of an external area along a definedmelt dispenser route while driving the ice melt dispenser system alongthe surface of the first portion of the first external area as the icemelt dispenser system dispenses a melt agent. The central computersystem may further communicate ground treatment instructions toconfigure one or more ground treatment systems when performing therelevant ground treatment. For example, ice melt dispenser instructionsmay be communicated to a motorized transport unit and/or the ice meltdispenser system regarding configuring the ice melt dispenser systemand/or setting parameters of the ice melt dispenser system (e.g., amountof melt agent to dispense, angle and/or orientation of a dispensingportion, and the like). For example, the ice melt dispenser instructionscan cause the motorized transport unit and/or the ice melt dispensersystem to position a dispenser of the ice melt dispenser system relativeto the surface of a portion of an external area. Further, with the useof multiple different motorized transport units and multiple differentground treatment systems, different types of ground treatments canconcurrently be performed.

As another example, the central computer system in communicating thearea routing instructions can communicate exterior area cleaning routinginstructions to first and second motorized transport units of theplurality of motorized transport units. The first and second motorizedtransport units can temporarily and removably be cooperated with firstand second ground cleaning systems, respectively. The area routinginstructions can cause the first and second motorized transport units totravel over the portions of an external area along defined groundtreatment routes while driving the first and second ground cleaningsystems along the surface of the portions of the external area as thefirst and second ground cleaning systems are activated to performrespective cleaning tasks.

Typically, the central computer system receives route conditioninformation, which may have an effect on the route a motorized transportunit travels and/or the ground treatment being performed. The routecondition information can be received from the motorized transportunits, ground treatment systems, and/or other sources external to themotorized transport units and ground treatment systems (e.g., shoppingfacility video cameras, shopping facility tag detectors, etc.). Theroute condition information can include, but is not limited to, sensorinformation from sensors of one or more motorized transport units and/orground treatment systems (e.g., distance sensor information, locationsensor information, machine readable code information, motion sensorinformation, distance traveled information, image and/or videoinformation from one or more cameras, and other such information),sensor information from other units or devices (e.g., sensor informationfrom another motorized transport unit, a movable item container 104, oneor more user interface units 114, docking and/or recharge stations 122,motorized transport dispensers 120, and the like), and/or sensorinformation from one or more sensor units of the shopping facility(e.g., cameras 118, distance sensors, location detection system 116,wireless network access points, and the like). The central computersystem is configured to utilize the route condition information indetermining whether an action is to be taken and what actions are to betaken by a motorized transport unit and/or a ground treatment system.

Many of the areas to be ground treated may have short term or longobstacles. For example, people, cars, shopping carts, trash cans, lightpoles, parking blocks, planters, buildings or parts of buildings (e.g.,doors, windows, walkways), etc. may be in, enter and/or are adjacent theone or more areas. The motorized transport units are configured to avoidthe obstacles, and in some instances the routing takes into account theobstacles (e.g., plowing snow away or toward the obstacle, directingblown snow away or toward the obstacle, routing the motorized transportunit around the obstacle/s, etc.). Similarly, the ground treatment maytemporarily be interrupted because of the detection of an obstacle(e.g., a customer enters an area where snow is being or is about to bedirected by a snow blower system). Further, in some embodiments, thecentral computer system 106 is configured to detect objects that mayaffect the routes of travel of one or more motorized transport units 102and ground treatment system. Based on the detected object and/or how itmay affect the route of travel and/or the ground treatment beingimplemented, one or more instructions can be issued to one or moremotorized transport units and/or the ground treatment system to take oneor more actions with regard to the detected object.

In some embodiments, the central computer system can identify an objectas a short term or long term obstacle. With long term or relativelypermanent obstacles, the central computer system typically has locationdata of these obstacles and/or identifies obstacles as permanent or longterm (e.g., based on obstacle being in the identified location for athreshold duration of time), and when generating the area routinginstructions directs the motorized transport unit taking into countthese obstacles (e.g., around and/or avoid these objects). In someinstances, the central computer system may additionally direct themotorized transport units to take advantage of these objects, such asdirecting snow toward these objects (e.g., causing snow to be plowedand/or blown toward and/or on one or more of these long term obstacles).

Further, in some embodiments, the control circuit of the centralcomputer system, while the plurality of motorized transport units travelin accordance with the area routing instructions and addressing theground level weather induced conditions, is further configured toidentify, typically based on sensor data (e.g., video data, distancesensor data from one or more motorized transport units and/or groundtreatment systems, movement detector data, tag detector data, etc.), anobject or obstacle entering an area that affects an intended route ofone or more motorized transport units and/or a ground treatment beingperformed. Based on the detected obstacle, the central computer systemcan communicate, to the motorized transport unit, modifications to thearea routing instructions causing the motorized transport unit toimplement a modified route to avoid the obstacle. The modified routingcan include directing the motorized transport unit to travel along adifferent route, stop for a period of time, change how the groundtreatment system operates (e.g., change a direction a snow blower systemis blowing snow), other such changes or a combination of two or more ofsuch changes. Further, in some instances the obstacle may be identified,and the modified routing instructions can be selected based on theidentification of the obstacle (e.g., whether the obstacle is a car, aperson, a child, an item container, etc.).

It is noted that the detection of an obstacle is not limited toobstacles in an intended path of the motorized transport unit, and caninclude areas around the motorized transport unit and/or cooperatedground treatment system. The size of the area can depend on the groundtreatment being performed, the ground treatment system being driven, thecapabilities of the ground treatment system, other such factors, andtypically a combination of two or more of such factors. For example,when a snow blower system is being used, the direction and distance ofthe blown snow can be considered in evaluating potential objects orobstacles that may be taken into consideration in adjusting and/orinterrupting ground treatment and/or the movement of the motorizedtransport unit. In some embodiments, the central computer system, inidentifying that one or more obstacles is entering an area that affectsthe intended route of a motorized transport unit, can further identifythe obstacle is approaching and/or entering an area where snow isintended to be directed by a snow blower system being driven by themotorized transport unit. Further consideration of wind, wind speed andother factors can be considered. Based on this detection, the centralcomputer system can communicate to the motorized transport unit one ormore modifications to the area routing instructions and/or modifiedrouting instructions causing the motorized transport unit to implementthe modified route to avoid snow being blown toward the obstacle. Again,this modification can include one or more actions such as, but notlimited to, temporarily stopping the motorized transport unit, pausingor turning off the snow blower system, changing a direction that thesnow is blown (e g, changing an orientation of a discharge chute),changing a direction of travel of the motorized transport unit, and thelike.

The central computer system typically continues to track a location ofthe motorized transport units and/or ground treatment systems as themotorized transport units drive one or more ground treatment systemsthrough external areas to perform ground treatment tasks. The locationinformation can include location data from one or more geo-locationsensors and/or global positioning information from the motorizedtransport units and/or ground treatment systems. In some instances, alight detector and/or location detector system may detect and/or receivelight identifiers encoded by lights of the location detection system116. In some instances, the light identifiers may be detected by sensorsin the motorized transport unit and/or ground treatment system, andcommunicated to the central computer system. Some embodiments mayfurther detect and/or receive distance measurements, such asmeasurements performed by one or more distance measurement units of amotorized transport unit and/or ground treatment system providingdistances measurements of an immediate surrounding and/or boundariesproximate the motorized transport unit and/or ground treatment system.Other location information may be provided such as one or more machinereadable codes, such as codes positioned and distributed throughout atleast some of the areas into which motorized transport units areconfigured and/or authorized to travel, and can be communicated to thecentral computer system.

The central computer system can evaluate and/or analyze the geo-locationinformation and/or other information in determining a location of one ormore motorized transport units and/or ground treatment systems.Typically, this evaluation includes evaluating the location informationrelative to one or more shopping facility mappings of the knownpositioning of lights, light posts, boundaries, walls, planters, parkingblocks, and the like. The evaluation of the location information can beused in cooperation with other route condition information, such as butnot limited to image and/or video information, information from othermotorized transport units, and the like.

In some embodiments, the central computer system can determine, based atleast in part on the location information, whether an intended route oftravel is blocked. When the path is not blocked, the central computersystem can continue to communicate one or more instructions to themotorized transport unit that are configured to cause the motorizedtransport unit to continue along the intended route, and/or determinesnot to modify the route of the motorized transport unit. When the routeis obstructed, the central computer system can determine whether theobstruction is a temporary or short term obstruction. As describedabove, in some instances, the central computer system can evaluate theroute condition information and additional route condition information,which can include the geo-location information, in determining whetheran object is predicted to obstruct the intended route of travel for lessthan a short term threshold period of time. When it is determined thatthe obstruction is a short term obstruction, one or more instructionscan be communicated to cause the motorized transport unit to slow, stopand/or wait in accordance with one or more parameters (e.g., speed,duration, etc.), and in some instances instructions can be communicatedto affect the ground treatment and/or the operation of the groundtreatment system. The central computer system can continue to evaluateand/or continuously evaluates the sensor information to determinewhether route changes should be implemented.

When the obstruction is not identified as a short term obstruction, thecentral computer system can identify one or more instructions to causethe motorized transport unit to go around the object and/or along analternative route. Some embodiments further evaluate the alternate routeto confirm that the alternate route is available. When unavailable, analarm or alert may be issued.

Typically, the motorized transport units are configured to temporarilycooperate with any one of multiple different ground treatment systems.Additionally or alternatively, the ground treatment systems areconfigured to cooperate with any one of multiple different motorizedtransport units. Accordingly, the motorized transport units can switchbetween ground treatment systems providing a modularity to the system.Taking advantage of this modularity, the central computer system canutilize a single motorized transport unit to implement multipledifferent ground treatments using different ground treatment systems.For example, the central computer system can communicate a disengagementinstruct to a motorized transport unit to disengage with a first groundtreatment system that is configured to provide a first ground treatmentwhile the motorized transport unit drives the first ground treatmentsystem in accordance with the area routing instructions. Subsequently,an engagement instruction can be communicated to the motorized transportunit to engage with a second ground treating system configured toprovide a second ground treatment that is different than the firstground treatment. The central computer system can communicate additionalarea routing instructions to the motorized transport unit to cause themotorized transport unit to drive the second ground treatment system inaccordance with the additional area routing instructions as the secondground treatment system performs the second ground treatment to addressone or more of the ground level weather induced conditions.

Similarly, the modularity allows the central computer system can selectany one of multiple different motorized transport units to cooperatewith a particular ground treatment system. The selection of themotorized transport unit may be based on one or more factors, such asbut not limited to location of the motorized transport unit, location ofthe ground treatment system, location of the motorized transport unitrelative to the location of the ground treatment system, whether amotorized transport unit is actively implementing a task, whether themotorized transport unit is cooperated with another device (e.g.,another ground treatment system, a movable item container, cleaningequipment and/or system, and the like), parameters and/or capabilitiesof the motorized transport unit (e.g., movement speed, movement power,whether treads or tracks are cooperated with the locomotion system, andthe like), stored electrical power, other such factors, or a combinationof two or more of such factors. One or more prioritize may be associatedwith different factors such that the priorities are taken intoconsideration when selecting a motorized transport unit. The centralcomputer system can communicate routing instructions to a selectedmotorized transport unit directing the motorized transport unit to thelocation of the relevant ground treatment system, and an engagementinstruction can be communicated to the selected motorized transport unitto engage with the ground treating system.

The modularity further allows the same motorized transport units thatare utilized to drive one or more ground treatment systems to performother relevant tasks, such as but not limited to helping customers,moving movable item containers, collecting movable item containers,cleaning tasks, other different ground treatment tasks, and other suchtasks. For example, in some embodiments the central computer system cancause a disengagement instruct to be communicated to a motorizedtransport unit to disengage with a first ground treating systemconfigured to provide a first ground treatment while the motorizedtransport unit drives the first ground treatment system in accordancewith the area routing instructions, and communicate a movable itemcontainer engagement instruction to the motorized transport unit toengage with a movable item container. This may include communicatingrouting instructions to the motorized transport unit to move to alocation of the movable item container. In response to the engagementinstructions, the motorized transport unit can temporarily cooperatewith the movable item container to drive the movable item container toone or more locations and/or through areas of the shopping facility. Insome instances, the central computer system can cause shopping routinginstructions to be communicated to the motorized transport unit to causethe motorized transport unit to drive the movable item container throughat least portions of the shopping facility, such as in assisting acustomer as the customer shops for one or more products in the shoppingfacility.

In some embodiments, the sensors 414 of the motorized transport unit mayinclude one or more traction and/or slip sensors. For example, atraction sensor may be cooperated with one or more of the wheels and/oraxles of the motorized transport unit and can detect and/or index therotation of one or more wheels and/or axles of the wheels. As such, insome instances, the control circuit and/or the motorized wheel systemcan receive traction sensor data that may indicate a reduction intraction of one or more wheels of the motorized wheel system (e.g., candetect when a wheel is moving faster than expected). In some instances,the control circuit and/or the motorized wheel system can detect areduction or lack of traction relative to one or more wheels based onthe rate of rotation of a the wheel relative to the rate of rotation ofone or more other wheel (e.g., rate of rotation is different by athreshold amount).

The control circuit of the motorized transport unit and/or the centralcomputer system can issue one or more instructions to implement one ormore actions in response to a detection of a reduction or loss oftraction. In some implementations, the one or more traction sensorscooperate with the motorized wheel system and are configured to detect areduction in traction of one or more wheels of the motorized wheelsystem. In some embodiments, the control circuit is configured to adjusta positioning of the ground treatment in an attempt to increase pressureon one or more wheels of the motorized transport unit corresponding tothe detected reduction in traction. Additionally or alternatively, themotorized wheel system can be controlled to slow down or speed up one ormore wheels in attempts to enhance traction of the one or more wheels orothers of the one or more wheels. Still further, one or morenotifications can be communicated to the central computer system and/orto a customer or other user (e.g., through a communication to acorresponding user interface unit, a display on the movable itemcontainer, lights and/or sounds from the motorized transport unit and/orthe movable item container, other such notification, or combinations oftwo or more of such notifications).

Further, in some embodiments, the motorized transport units may includealternative locomotion systems, such as tracks, treads, and the likethat may provide further traction. Similarly, tracks may be retrofittedto the wheels and/or axles of the motorized transport units duringcertain times of the year and/or as part of utilizing a motorizedtransport unit in implementing ground treatment. Similarly, differentwheels may be used during certain times of the year and/or on certainmotorized transport units that may be prioritized to perform some of theground treatment tasks over other tasks.

As described above, in some implementations, the central computer systemactivates one or more motorized transport units to drive one or moreground treatment systems based on forecasted weather conditions. Theweather data can be received from one or more third party sources, localsensors and/or other such sources. This allows the shopping facility tobe proactive in addressing ground conditions and/or enhancing safety.For example, when it is predicted the temperature is going to drop belowa threshold, one or more ice melt dispenser systems may be driven overone or more areas (e.g., walkways) in advance of the temperature drop toinhibit or prevent potential ice forming. Similarly, local sensors canbe used to confirm forecasts, make adjustments based on localconditions, and/or to allow for quick responses to detected eventsand/or changes. Some implementations may take into considerationdifferent conditions at different areas of the shopping facility, suchas with multiple sensor sets to accommodate for different conditions ondifferent exterior areas of the shopping facility (e.g., one side of theshopping facility may be protected from wind while the other side isdirectly in the path of the wind and directly affected).

Some embodiments may utilize one or more snow depth sensors and/or othersensors (e.g., using image analytics and evaluating pictures and/orvideo in looking for patterns and/or color changes, such as consistentwhite) may and/or reports may be considered in determining when and/orwhether to dispatch one or more snow plow systems and/or snow blowersystems (e.g., snow less than a threshold depth is address by snowplows, while snow greater than a threshold depth may be addressed by thedispatch of one or more snow blowers and/or snow plows). The centralcomputer system can further priority the ground treatment relative toother tasks that the motorized transport units are configured toperform. As such, the central computer system may divert one or moremotorized transport units from other tasks to perform ground treatmenttasks when the ground treatment task has a higher priority than theother task or tasks. The ability to activate multiple motorizedtransport units and ground treatment systems allows the central computersystem to escalate or decrease the ground condition response based oncurrent and/or forecasted information.

In some embodiments, the central computer system may develop and/ormaintain one or more ground treatment management solutions and/orresource management plans that can be dependent on current and/orforecasted weather conditions, time of day, time of year, otherresources, and the like. This can include routing instructions,locations where snow is to be directed, number of ground treatmentsystems to be utilized, and other such information. Further, the groundtreatment plan or plans can take advantage of multiple ground treatmentsystems and an effective allocation of motorized transport units andground treatment systems. The use of the ground treatment systems drivenby the motorized transport units limits and in some instances preventsworks and/or third party services from having to perform these tasks.This can further enhance safety for the workers as the workers do nothave to be exposed to the weather conditions and/or be in potentiallydangerous locations (e.g., parking lots). Further, the system canoperate autonomously without worker interaction, and allow works tocontinue to support customers and perform other tasks.

Other snow removal systems typically are dedicated machine that can onlyserve one purpose. Accordingly, for most of the year these machines areunused and a wasted resource and space. Issues also arise when iceaccumulates and becomes dangerous for customers. Workers do not alwaysknow about what is going on outside due to their attention being insidethe shopping facility and taking care of customers. Accordingly, the useof the motorized transport units with the one or more ground treatmentsystems can greatly improve ground treatment and often increase safety.The motorized transport unit system can be a proactive way of takingcare of parking lots, loading areas, walkways and the like. Further,snow plows and road treatments are typically reactive as snow plows takeup large amounts of space and may leave mounds of snow through theparking lot in undesired locations. Often the equipment is left in theparking areas unattended and cars parked in the areas exacerbate theissues as reactive equipment pile snow beside them. The use of themotorized transport unit system allows ground treatment to occur basedon forecasting and/or does not have to wait for a large accumulation ofsnow to make it cost effective to implement a ground treatment plan.This also avoid having to wait for these snow removal companies to showup.

Accordingly, the motorized transport unit system enables equipment tohave multiple purposes by using the motorized transport units to driveground treatment systems (e.g., to remove snow through a snow plowand/or snow blower, ice melt spreader, etc.). Further, ground treatmentcan be a proactive solution to inclement weather effecting shoppingfacilities, their parking lots, walkways, loading areas, etc. Further,the use of the ground treatment can help prevent the buildup of ice andsnow, and also remove ice and snow when accumulated. The motorizedtransport units operate in concert with the central computer system,which can grid out the parking lot and other areas when inclementweather is forecasted and/or occurs. In some implementations, one ormore of the motorized transport units can be fitted with tracks foradequate movement in adverse weather conditions. Similarly, in someembodiments, one or more of the motorized transport units can be fittedwith a heater to protect its camera and/or other capabilities to clearthe camera and/or keep other components free of ice and/or fromfreezing. Using the central computer system, video cameras (e.g.,walkway, loading area and/or parking video cameras), and sensors, thecentral computer to distinguish the difference between a movable itemcontainer, person, vehicle, light pole, other fixed objects that areaccountable, and the like. In some implementations, permanent and/orlong term obstacles are typically identified to avoid with routing beingpredetermined relative to those obstacles, and sensors and cameras canbe used to avoid temporary obstacles.

In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein usefulto enhance safety based on weather. Some embodiments provide a systemproviding enhanced safety, comprising: a central computer system that isseparate and distinct from a plurality of self-propelled motorizedtransport units, wherein the central computer system comprises: atransceiver configured to communicate with the motorized transport unitslocated at a shopping facility; a control circuit coupled with thetransceiver; and a memory coupled to the control circuit and storingcomputer instructions that when executed by the control circuit causethe control circuit to perform the steps of: communicate positioningrouting instructions to the plurality of motorized transport unitsdirecting the plurality of motorized transport units to one or moreexternal areas of a shopping facility that are exposed to weatherconditions; and communicate separate area routing instructions to eachof the plurality of motorized transport units that when implementedcause the plurality of motorized transport units to cooperatively and inconcert travel in accordance with the area routing instructions over atleast predefined portions of one or more external areas that areaccessible by the plurality of motorized transport units, while each isdriving at least one detachable ground treatment system, to cause theground treatment systems to address ground level conditions.

Some implementations provide methods of providing enhanced safety,comprising: by a control circuit of an automated central computer systemthat is separate and distinct from a plurality of self-propelledmotorized transport units: communicating positioning routinginstructions to the plurality of motorized transport units directing theplurality of motorized transport units to one or more external areas ofa shopping facility that are exposed to weather conditions; andcommunicating separate area routing instructions to each of theplurality of motorized transport units that when implemented cause theplurality of motorized transport units to cooperatively and in concerttravel in accordance with the area routing instructions over at leastpredefined portions of one or more external areas that are accessible bythe plurality of motorized transport units, while each is driving atleast one detachable ground treatment system, to cause the groundtreatment systems to address ground level conditions.

In some embodiments, a system comprises: a central computer system thatis separate and distinct from a plurality of self-propelled motorizedtransport units, wherein the central computer system comprises: atransceiver configured to communicate with the motorized transport unitslocated at a shopping facility; a control circuit coupled with thetransceiver; and a memory coupled to the control circuit and storingcomputer instructions that when executed by the control circuit causethe control circuit to perform the steps of: communicate positioningrouting instructions to the plurality of motorized transport unitsdirecting the plurality of motorized transport units to one or moreexternal areas of a shopping facility that are exposed to weatherconditions; and communicate separate area routing instructions to eachof the plurality of motorized transport units that when implementedcause the plurality of motorized transport units to cooperatively and inconcert travel in accordance with the area routing instructions over atleast predefined portions of one or more external areas that areaccessible by the plurality of motorized transport units, while each isdriving at least one detachable ground treatment system, to cause theground treatment systems to address ground level weather inducedconditions.

In some embodiments, a method of providing enhanced safety based onweather, comprises: by a control circuit of an automated centralcomputer system that is separate and distinct from a plurality ofself-propelled motorized transport units: communicating positioningrouting instructions to the plurality of motorized transport unitsdirecting the plurality of motorized transport units to one or moreexternal areas of a shopping facility that are exposed to weatherconditions; and communicating separate area routing instructions to eachof the plurality of motorized transport units that when implementedcause the plurality of motorized transport units to cooperatively and inconcert travel in accordance with the area routing instructions over atleast predefined portions of one or more external areas that areaccessible by the plurality of motorized transport units, while each isdriving at least one detachable ground treatment system, to cause theground treatment systems to address ground level weather inducedconditions.

In some implementations, the control circuit is further configured tocommunicate first treatment instructions to a first motorized transportunit of the plurality of motorized transport units causing the firstmotorized transport unit, which is temporarily and removably cooperatedwith a first ground treatment system configured to perform a firstground treatment, to position the first ground treatment system relativeto a surface of a first portion of a first external area. Thecommunication of the area routing instructions can include communicatingfirst treatment routing instructions to the first motorized transportunit causing the first motorized transport unit to travel over the firstportion of the first external area along a defined first treatment routewhile driving the first ground treatment system along the surface of thefirst portion of the first external area as the first ground treatmentsystem performs the first ground treatment to address one or more groundlevel weather induced conditions. Further, in some embodiments thecontrol circuit is further configured to communicate second treatmentinstructions to a second motorized transport unit of the plurality ofmotorized transport units causing the second motorized transport unit,which is temporarily and removably cooperated with a second groundtreatment system, to position the second ground treatment systemrelative to a surface of a second portion of a second external area. Thecommunication of the area routing instructions may further includecommunicating second treatment routing instructions to the secondmotorized transport unit causing the second motorized transport unit totravel over the second portion of the second external area along adefined second treatment route while driving the second ground treatmentsystem along the surface of the second portion of the second externalarea as the second ground treatment system performs the second groundtreatment to address one or more of the ground level weather inducedconditions.

The control circuit, while the plurality of motorized transport unitstravel in accordance with the area routing instructions and addressingthe ground level weather induced conditions, may be further configuredto identify, based on sensor data, an obstacle entering an area thataffects an intended route of a first motorized transport unit, andcommunicate, to the first motorized transport unit, modifications to thearea routing instructions causing the first motorized transport unit toimplement a modified route to avoid the obstacle. In some instances, thecontrol circuit in identifying the obstacle is entering the area thataffects the intended route of the first motorized transport unit isconfigured to identify the obstacle is entering an area where snow isintended to be directed by a snow blower system being driven by thefirst motorized transport unit. The modifications to the area routinginstructions can be communicated to the first motorized transport unitcausing the first motorized transport unit to implement the modifiedroute to avoid snow being blown toward the obstacle.

In some embodiments, the control circuit is further configured tocommunicate a disengagement instruct to a first motorized transport unitto disengage with a first ground treatment system configured to providea first ground treatment while the first motorized transport unit drivesthe first ground treatment system in accordance with the area routinginstructions. An engagement instruction can be communicated to the firstmotorized transport unit to engage with a second ground treating systemconfigured to provide a second ground treatment that is different thanthe first ground treatment. Further, additional area routinginstructions may be communicated to at least the first motorizedtransport unit to cause the first motorized transport unit to drive thesecond ground treatment system in accordance with the additional arearouting instructions as the second ground treatment system performs thesecond ground treatment to address one or more of the ground levelconditions. Some implementations further communicate a disengagementinstruct to a first motorized transport unit to disengage with a firstground treating system configured to provide a first ground treatmentwhile the first motorized transport unit drives the first groundtreatment system in accordance with the area routing instructions. Amovable item container engagement instruction may be communicated to thefirst motorized transport unit to engage with a movable item container,and shopping routing instructions can be communicated to the firstmotorized transport unit to cause the first motorized transport unit todrive the movable item container through at least portions of theshopping facility in assisting a customer as the customer shops for oneor more products in the shopping facility.

In some applications, the control circuit is further configured toidentify, based on sensor data, one or more locations where snow is tobe moved, and identify routing between each of two or more motorizedtransport units of the plurality of motorized transport units and atleast one of the one or more locations. The control circuit incommunicating the area routing instructions may further be configured tocommunicate the area routing instructions to each of the at least two ormore motorized transport units such that each of the two or moremotorized transport units, in implementing the area routinginstructions, drives a respective ground treatment system to moved snowto at least one of the one or more locations. Some embodiments incommunicating the area routing instructions may communicate ice meltdispenser routing instructions to a first motorized transport unit ofthe plurality of motorized transport units, which is temporarily andremovably cooperated with an ice melt dispenser system, causing thefirst motorized transport unit to travel over a first portion of a firstexternal area along a defined melt dispenser route while driving the icemelt dispenser system along the surface of the first portion of thefirst external area as the ice melt dispenser system dispenses a meltagent. Additionally or alternatively, some embodiments in communicatingthe area routing instructions communicate exterior area cleaning routinginstructions to first and second motorized transport units of theplurality of motorized transport units, wherein the first and secondmotorized transport units are temporarily and removably cooperated withfirst and second ground cleaning systems, respectively, causing thefirst and second motorized transport units to travel over the portionsof a first external area along defined ground treatment routes whiledriving the first and second ground cleaning systems along the surfaceof the portions of the first external area as the first and secondground cleaning systems are activated to perform respective cleaningtasks.

Some embodiments provide methods of, at least in part, enhancing safetyby a control circuit of an automated central computer system that isseparate and distinct from a plurality of self-propelled motorizedtransport units. In some implementations, positioning routinginstructions are communicated to the plurality of motorized transportunits directing the plurality of motorized transport units to one ormore external areas of a shopping facility that are exposed to weatherconditions. Separate area routing instructions may further becommunicated to each of the plurality of motorized transport units thatwhen implemented cause the plurality of motorized transport units tocooperatively and in concert travel in accordance with the area routinginstructions over at least predefined portions of one or more externalareas that are accessible by the plurality of motorized transport units,while each is driving at least one detachable ground treatment system,to cause the ground treatment systems to address ground levelconditions.

In some implementations, first treatment instructions are communicatedto a first motorized transport unit of the plurality of motorizedtransport units causing the first motorized transport unit, which istemporarily and removably cooperated with a first ground treatmentsystem configured to perform a first ground treatment, to position thefirst ground treatment system relative to a surface of a first portionof a first external area. The communication of the area routinginstructions may comprise communicating first treatment routinginstructions to the first motorized transport unit causing the firstmotorized transport unit to travel over the first portion of the firstexternal area along a defined first treatment route while driving thefirst ground treatment system along the surface of the first portion ofthe first external area as the first ground treatment system performsthe first ground treatment to address one or more ground level weatherinduced conditions. Second treatment instructions may be communicated toa second motorized transport unit of the plurality of motorizedtransport units causing the second motorized transport unit, which istemporarily and removably cooperated with a second ground treatmentsystem, to position second ground treatment system relative to a surfaceof a second portion of a second external area. The communication of thearea routing instructions can comprise communicating second treatmentrouting instructions to the second motorized transport unit causing thesecond motorized transport unit to travel over the second portion of thesecond external area along a defined second treatment route whiledriving the second ground treatment system along the surface of thesecond portion of the second external area as the second groundtreatment system performs the second ground treatment to address one ormore of the ground level weather induced conditions.

Some embodiments may further identify, based on sensor data and whilethe plurality of motorized transport units travel in accordance with thearea routing instructions and address the ground level weather inducedconditions, an obstacle entering an area that affects an intended routeof a first motorized transport unit. Modifications to the area routinginstructions can be communicated to the first motorized transport unitcausing the first motorized transport unit to implement a modified routeto avoid the obstacle. The identification that an obstacle is enteringthe area that affects the intended route of the first motorizedtransport unit can comprise identifying the obstacle is entering an areawhere snow is intended to be directed by a snow blower system beingdriven by the first motorized transport unit. The modifications to thearea routing instructions can be communicated to the first motorizedtransport unit causing the first motorized transport unit to implementthe modified route to avoid snow being blown toward the obstacle.

In some embodiments, a disengagement instruct can be communicated to afirst motorized transport unit to disengage with a first groundtreatment system configured to provide a first ground treatment whilethe first motorized transport unit drives the first ground treatmentsystem in accordance with the area routing instructions, and anengagement instruction can be communicated to the first motorizedtransport unit to engage with a second ground treating system configuredto provide a second ground treatment that is different than the firstground treatment. One or more additional area routing instructions canbe communicated to at least the first motorized transport unit to causethe first motorized transport unit to drive the second ground treatmentsystem in accordance with the additional area routing instructions asthe second ground treatment system performs the second ground treatmentto address one or more of the ground level conditions. Similarly, someembodiments may further communicate a disengagement instruct to a firstmotorized transport unit to disengage with a first ground treatingsystem configured to provide a first ground treatment while the firstmotorized transport unit drives the first ground treatment system inaccordance with the area routing instructions, and communicate a movableitem container engagement instruction to the first motorized transportunit to engage with a movable item container. One or more shoppingrouting instructions can be communicated to the first motorizedtransport unit to cause the first motorized transport unit to drive themovable item container through at least portions of the shoppingfacility in assisting a customer as the customer shops for one or moreproducts in the shopping facility.

Further, some embodiments identify, based on sensor data, one or morelocations where snow is to be moved. Routing can be identified betweeneach of two or more motorized transport units of the plurality ofmotorized transport units and at least one of the one or more locations.The communication of the area routing instructions can comprisecommunicating the area routing instructions to each of the at least twoor more motorized transport units such that each of the two or moremotorized transport units, in implementing the area routinginstructions, drives a respective ground treatment system to moved snowto at least one of the one or more locations. In some embodiments, thecommunication of the area routing instructions further comprisescommunicating ice melt dispenser routing instructions to a firstmotorized transport unit of the plurality of motorized transport units,which is temporarily and removably cooperated with an ice melt dispensersystem, causing the first motorized transport unit to travel over afirst portion of a first external area along a defined melt dispenserroute while driving the ice melt dispenser system along the surface ofthe first portion of the first external area as the ice melt dispensersystem dispenses a melt agent. Similarly, some implementations incommunicating the area routing instructions further communicate exteriorarea cleaning routing instructions to first and second motorizedtransport units of the plurality of motorized transport units, where thefirst and second motorized transport units are temporarily and removablycooperated with first and second ground cleaning systems, respectively.The exterior area cleaning routing instructions are configured to causethe first and second motorized transport units to travel over theportions of a first external area along defined ground treatment routeswhile driving the first and second ground cleaning systems along thesurface of the portions of the first external area as the first andsecond ground cleaning systems are activated to perform respectivecleaning tasks.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety ofmodifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect tothe above described embodiments without departing from the scope of theinvention, and that such modifications, alterations, and combinationsare to be viewed as being within the ambit of the inventive concept.

What is claimed is:
 1. A shopping facility assistance system comprising:a plurality of motorized transport units configured to move through aretail shopping facility; a central computer system having a networkinterface such that the central computer system wirelessly communicateswith the plurality of motorized transport units and wherein the centralcomputer system is configured to: identify a mobile item containerinside the retail shopping facility as being abandoned; direct aparticular one of the plurality of motorized transport units through theretail shopping facility to the abandoned mobile item container; causethe particular one of the plurality of motorized transport units tophysically attach to the abandoned mobile item container; and direct,via a wireless network connection, the particular one of the pluralityof motorized transport units through the retail shopping facility withthe attached unattended mobile item container to a specified destinationwithin the retail shopping facility.
 2. The shopping facility assistancesystem of claim 1 wherein the mobile item container comprises a wheeledshopping cart.
 3. The shopping facility assistance system of claim 1wherein the central computer system is configured to identify the mobileitem container in the shopping facility as being abandoned, at least inpart, based on video information of the retail shopping facility.
 4. Theshopping facility assistance system of claim 3 wherein at least some ofthe plurality of motorized transport units include at least oneexternal-environment sensor and wherein the central computer system isfurther configured to identify the mobile item container in the retailshopping facility as being abandoned, at least in part, based onexternal-environment sensor information provided by at least one of theplurality of motorized transport units.
 5. The shopping facilityassistance system of claim 1 wherein the central computer system isconfigured to identify a mobile item container as being abandoned as afunction, at least in part, of determining that the mobile itemcontainer is both stationary and unattended for at least a predeterminedamount of time.
 6. The shopping facility assistance system of claim 5wherein the central computer system uses different predetermined amountsof time when assessing abandonment of mobile item containers dependingupon where in the retail shopping facility the mobile item containersare located.
 7. The shopping facility assistance system of claim 6wherein the central computer system uses shorter predetermined amountsof time when assessing abandonment of mobile item containers located ina low traffic area for mobile item containers than when assessingabandonment of mobile item containers located in shopping aisles.
 8. Theshopping facility assistance system of claim 1 wherein the centralcomputer system determines the specified destination as a function, atleast in part, of whether the abandoned mobile item container containsany items.
 9. The shopping facility assistance system of claim 8 whereinthe central computer system specifies an empty cart deployment area asthe specified destination when the abandoned mobile item container isempty of any items.
 10. The shopping facility assistance system of claim8 wherein the central computer system specifies a cart processing areaas the specified destination when the abandoned mobile item containercontains any items.
 11. The shopping facility assistance system of claim10 wherein the cart processing area comprises a customer service area ofthe retail shopping facility.
 12. A method comprising: by a centralcomputer system: identifying a mobile item container in a retailshopping facility as being abandoned; directing, via a wireless networkconnection, a motorized transport unit through the retail shoppingfacility to the abandoned mobile item container; causing the motorizedtransport unit to physically attach to the abandoned mobile itemcontainer; directing, via a wireless network connection, the motorizedtransport unit through the retail shopping facility with the attachedabandoned mobile item container to a specified destination within theretail shopping facility.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein the centralcomputer system is configured to identify the mobile item container inthe retail shopping facility as being abandoned by, at least in part,using video information of the retail shopping facility.
 14. The methodof claim 12 wherein the central computer system is configured toidentify a mobile item container as being abandoned by, at least inpart, determining that the mobile item container is both stationary andunattended for at least a predetermined amount of time.
 15. The methodof claim 14 wherein the central computer system uses differentpredetermined amounts of time when assessing abandonment of mobile itemcontainers depending upon where in the retail shopping facility themobile item containers are located.
 16. The method of claim 15 whereinthe central computer system uses shorter predetermined amounts of timewhen assessing abandonment of mobile item containers located in a lowtraffic area for mobile item containers than when assessing abandonmentof mobile item containers located in shopping aisles.
 17. The method ofclaim 12 wherein the central computer system determines the specifieddestination as a function, at least in part, of whether the abandonedmobile item container contains any items.
 18. The method of claim 17wherein the central computer system specifies an empty cart deploymentarea as the specified destination when the abandoned mobile itemcontainer is empty of any items.
 19. The method of claim 17 wherein thecentral computer system specifies a cart processing area as thespecified destination when the abandoned mobile item container containsany items.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein the cart processing areacomprises a customer service area of the retail shopping facility.